Fine Gael Cork South Central Senator, Jerry Buttimer, today (Wednesday) said proposed changes to Communications regulation must not undermine the good work being carried out by our postal workers every day.
Speaking on the Postal Services Bill, Senator Buttimer expressed his concern at the removal of the Universal Service Obligation which guarantees a five day delivery service to every address in the country.
“This Bill will change the way our postal service is run, creating different employment conditions for our postal workers. An Post is currently undergoing its own restructuring process to ensure that it offers the best service possible to the country and we must ensure that any future changes, where legislation is concerned, does not undermine the good work of the staff at An Post. Fine Gael welcomes competition within all aspects of industry but on the pretence that it benefits everyone involved.
“An Post ensured us this year that 84% of letters posted in Ireland to addresses within the State were delivered the next working day. An Post is not broken. It is working well and continues to post yearly profits, with staff processing over three million items of mail, serving 1.7 million customers, every week.
“Postal workers carry out their duties to the highest possible standard while also maintaining the vital link between the home and the community. They continue to operate in a most efficient manner to the extent that we have the eight lowest priced postal service in Europe.
“This Government has done enough damage within rural areas and communities. Fine Gael recognises the vital links that our postal workers in Cork, Dublin, Galway and the rest of country provide. They have genuine concerns with regards to this Bill and I urge the Government to examine this carefully in the best interests of An Post, its staff and all citizens.”