Cope urges E.U. to protect rural post offices

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Rural post offices must not by affected by the liberalisation of postal services throughout the European Union, M.E.P. Pat the Cope Gallagher has insisted.
Calling for safeguard measures to be introduced to protect the rural post offices, he maintained: “Many people living in rural areas and many employed in the postal services in Ireland and in Europe still have real and genuine concerns.

“Postmen a
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nd postwomen play a vital role in Irish life,” the Donegal representative declared.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, he paid tribute to those employed in the postal services who often went beyond the call of duty. “Postal workers are a great source of social contact for many elderly people and those living in isolated communities. Therefore it is vitally important that the European Commission and national regulators ensure that the universal service obligation contained in this legislation is fully respected.”

M.E.P. Gallagher welcomed the announcement by Commissioner Barnier of his intention to establish a User Dialogue Group which would include businesses, civil society, unions and Parliament.

“I met with representatives from the Communications Workers Union of Ireland earlier this year. I believe that it is crucial that all stakeholders are centrally involved in the implementation of this legislation.”

The internal market in postal services will be completed by December of this year.