Litir um Thoghchán Free Postage Scheme for General Elections

 
An Post endeavours to arrange delivery of all Litir um Thoghchán in line with its statutory obligation to provide free postage. We apply the following criteria in deciding whether a Litir um Thoghchán is suitable for inclusion in the An Post free postage service:
 
Criteria for the acceptance of election post in General Elections
 
An Post reserves the right to refuse to accept or deliver, any items which, in its reasonable opinion: 
 

1. are likely to cause embarrassment or distress to it, its employees or the person who will receive the item who may be a child; 
2. will harm, or are likely to harm, its reputation; 
3. are banned or restricted by law or by any regulations or guidelines; 
4. are dangerous; 
5. are or may be defamatory;
6. contains matter which does not relate to the election.

The above criteria are based on a consideration of provisions contained in the Electoral Acts, Irish postal legislation and Incitement to Hatred legislation and defamation laws.  The guidelines of the Electoral Commission are also considered relevant although the Electoral Commission supervisory powers extend only to online electoral communications.
 
It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that its communications do not infringe any applicable legal requirements and An Post reviews for the purposes of providing its free postage scheme only.

Important update regarding the Litir um Thoghchán requests.

Due to the unprecedented number of candidates requesting Litir um Thoghchán in this election and for this purpose, An Post is extending the original acceptance deadline for receipt of Litir um Thoghchán.
 
The deadline for receipt by An Post of printed Litir um Thoghchán is now 15:00 on Monday, November 25, instead of close of business on Friday, November 22.
 
However, please bear in mind that these requests are subject to receipt of fully addressed printed Litir um Thoghchán for delivery by An Post. An Post is not responsible for the capacity of the printers and cannot be held accountable if they are unable to fulfil your request.  Requests for Litir um Thoghchán should be made through the usual channels.
 
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to our elections team electionteam@anpost.ie