Deputy Jerry Buttimer today called for assurances that the Communications Regulation Bill will act in the best interests of both the customer and the worker.
The Communications Regulation Bill provides for the opening up of postal services to market competition. The Bill also provides for the establishment and maintenance of a postcode system and for the establishment of a regulatory framework, to be managed by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Deputy Buttimer said, “some people might see the new bill as a threat to our postal services but instead we should consider it as an opportunity and embrace this challenge. We have to see this as a real chance to reinvent our postal service.
“This Bill must be about the protection of the service user and the employees of An Post. However this does not mean that the service should be compromised in rural areas around my constituency. Irrespective of whether one lives in a rural or urban area, people deserve a service characterised by excellence. We must remember that the postman or woman is often the only person certain individuals meet during their week”.
“From talking to An Post employees I am of the opinion that they are willing to embrace competition but they want a fair and balanced playing field in return. I acknowledge the economic climate and the challenges that An Post and its employees face, however the opening up of the postal service to competition could be positive if managed properly”
“By allowing An Post to reinvent itself and make it more relevant in a more modern Ireland this Bill will provide a better outcome for both customers and staff”.