Dáil committee to discuss post codes proposal

Proposals to introduce a national post code system will be examined by a Dáil committee today.

The plan is part of a new Postal Bill being introduced by Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte.

The Bill also includes a legal guarantee of a delivery service every working day to every address in the State.

“The postal service in Ireland faces many challenges just as it does in other countries," Minister Rabbitte said.

"This legislation will lead to greater competition in the sector which will be good for consumers but will also put pressure on An Post to be extremely innovative.

"I am confident that the company will be able to rise to the challenges using its unique infrastructure of well over 1,000 retail outlets, its standing in the community and its sophisticated technology to deliver new services.”

However, opposition parties say the Bill could lead to higher postal charges for people in rural areas.

And the Communications Workers Union says it will put jobs in An Post at risk.