1. The two electronic scales in the office were calibrated very recently. I am confident based on this that the scales would be more accurate than a kitchen scales. However, based on what subsequently happened in Ardrahan I will request another check of the scales in Gort PO.

2. In terms of the customer service aspect of your complaint the Post Mistress did admit that due to pressure in the lead up to the last time of posting of 3.30pm each day that sometimes the benefit of the doubt may have been given to customers in respect of the measurement of envelopes. I have asked the Post Mistress that, in future, when there is doubt with regard to the measurement of envelopes, the correct procedures must be followed by her and her staff with all customers. Otherwise the integrity of our pricing structures for the postage of items may be called in to question by customer such as you have done.

3. With regard to the second point you make; the lower cost from Germany to Ireland is because of the lower postal charges in Ireland. The largest single cost aspect for outbound international mail is the cost of delivery in the receiving country.

German domestic postal charges are higher than those in Ireland therefore it is more expensive to post from Ireland to Germany than the other way around.

If you have any further difficulties please let me know.