Republican News · Thursday 13 February 2003

Sinn Féin puts concerns to PostComm chief

Sinn Féin Assembly members from across the Six Counties met with the Chief of PostComm, John Semple, on Tuesday to discuss concerns about the Post Office.

Speaking after the meeting, Sinn Féin Assembly group leader Conor Murphy said the party representatives had raised a number of key issues, including the urgent issue of rural post offices, the charging policy for cross border mail, the five pilot projects for Irish passports in Derry, Belfast, Enniskillen and Newry and the use of the Irish language within the organisation.

"With almost 400 of the 600 post offices here situated in rural areas, there is a real need to ensure that these vital parts of the rural community are sustained. Unfortunately, Mr Semple was unable to clear up concerns about the projected job losses or the number of sub post offices that are at risk.

"Similarly, Mr Semple was unable to tackle the issue of cross border postage charges that particularly affect people living in border communities and businesses relying on cross border trade. They need a fair charging policy. At present there are EU agreements around this issue but that should not alter the argument for specific arrangements that reflect the reality of life for people separated by the artificial border.

"While the pilot projects will allow greater access to Irish passports, there have been some concerns, particularly in Newry, that the Post Office is dragging its feet. We also need to see resolute action from the Post Office to implement a programme to promote the use of Irish language within its organisation."