‘No Junk Mail’ signs costing jobs, warns TD

A NORTHSIDE TD is pleading with residents not to place

‘No Junk Mail’ signs on their letterboxes because they are

“costing jobs

?.

Deputy Finian McGrath (Ind) is urging householders to have a re-think before making their decision.

The Dublin Bay North TD said a number of small printing companies and their staff have complained to him directly about the signs and he warned that jobs were at risk.

“Every five signs lead to one lost job in the printing industry,

? Deputy McGrath told Northside People.

“All of us know someone who has lost their job or emigrated because they cannot get work. Small printing houses close every week.

“Allied to the printing workforce are the thousands employed in the manufacture of printing inks and printing machines.

“In Ireland, the general printing industry has been decimated over the last 20 years or so by the relentless progress of computerisation.

“However, there are many thousands of people still involved in artwork, plate making, printing, folding, binding and distribution.

?

Deputy McGrath advised that whenever people get post, of any sort, through the letterbox, they shouldn’t be too dismissive and regard it immediately as

‘Junk Mail’.

“A lot of time and effort has been put into the leaflet or pamphlet or letter, with lots of jobs depending on it being delivered, even if it is just read and then put straight into the recycling bin,

? he argued.

Deputy McGrath called on householders to show understanding by taking the

‘No Junk Mail’ signs down.

“If we all do this, the whole process starts all over again, helping to keep Irish jobs going and, perhaps in some small way, we will kick start the economy again,

? he stated.

When asked had he ever personally been requested to stop putting leaflets or flyers in letterboxes, Deputy McGrath replied:

“Yes, many times and I have got loads of verbal abuse.

“Most people are sensible and accept that politicians have a right to get their message across and update their constituents. It’s democracy.

?

Deputy McGrath said that while the people distributing the leaflets and flyers on behalf of businesses appear to obey the signs,

“politicians do not consider local and national issues junk mail

?.

Deputy McGrath conceded that residents have the right to place the signs on the their letterboxes and said he respected their decision.

“All I am asking is for people to take a small hit and recycle the leaflets and then save some jobs,

? he added.

“Also, how can politicians update their constituents on local and national issues? These signs (

‘No Junk Mail’) erode democracy.

?