Probe into late Christmas cards begins
The Government today began an investigation into how up to 1.5 million Christmas cards and other items were delivered late this week.
Communications Minister Dermot Ahern called in John Hynes, head of An Post, to explain what went wrong.
Apologising for the late deliveries early this week, An Post blamed a range of problems – including the changing shape and colour of many modern-day Christmas card envelopes.
New state-of-the art equipment introduced in sorting offices in recent months, mainly to deal with orthodox, business material, was unable to cope with the different-style mail. Late posting was also said to be partly responsible.
The minister was reported to be anxious to find out what needed to be done to ensure seasonal delivery hold-ups were not repeated.
An Post today said the backlog had now been cleared, with all the cards, letters and packages delivered to homes and businesses around the country over the last two days.
The delay affected cards which were posted at the Dublin Mail Centre, which handles two thirds of the country’s post.
