Dáil Éireann - Volume 374 - 20 October, 1987

Written Answers. - Election Literature Postage.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe Mr. J. O'Keeffe

65. Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications if he will outline the arrangements with An Post in relation to the delivery of election literature and the cost thereof; whether any review of such arrangements has taken place with a view to establishing a more efficient and cost-effective system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Communications (Mr. R. Burke) Raphael P. Burke

583

[583] Minister for Communications (Mr. R. Burke): The arrangements for the provision by An Post of free postage of election literature are governed by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, and regulations and schemes made under: (i) the Prevention of Electoral Abuses Act, 1923; (ii) the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act, 1937; (iii) the Presidential Elections Act, 1937; (iv) European Assembly Elections Act, 1977.

The regulations and schemes prescribe the conditions under which electoral candidates may send by post, free of charge, one communication relating solely to the election to every person registered as an elector for the constituency. Conditions relating to such matters as how election communications are to be posted and the weight, size and marking of the communications are also prescribed in the regulations and schemes.

An Post is recouped from the Central Fund by the Minister for Finance for the loss of postage in connection with elections. Recoupments by the Minister for Finance to An Post for the free postage scheme for electoral candidates have been as follows: 1984 European Elections, £1,025,172 (estimated); 1984 Laois-Offaly By-Election, £21,413; 1987 General Election, £2,000,000 (estimated); 1987 Seanad Election, £286,000 (estimated). There has been no review of the free postage arrangements.

Dáil Éireann 374 Written Answers. Election Literature Postage.

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