17.— (1) Subject to subsection (2), An Post is designated as the universal postal service provider for a period of 12 years beginning on the passing of this Act.

(2) After the expiration of 7 years after the passing of this Act, and following a review under section 19 by the Commission of the designation of An Post under subsection (1), the Commission may—

(a) decide to—

(i) continue the designation of An Post as a universal postal service provider for the duration of the unexpired period of the designation specified in subsection (1), or

(ii) with the prior consent of the Minister, designate one or more than one postal service provider as a universal postal service provider for such period, subject to section 18(4), as the Commission considers appropriate,

or

(b) with the prior consent of the Minister, decide that no such designation is required.

(3) Where the Commission proposes to make a decision under subsection (2)(a)(ii) or (b), as the case may be, the Minister, following consultation with such persons as he or she considers appropriate having regard to the proposal concerned, shall give notice in writing to the Commission of his or her decision to consent, or to refuse consent, within 4 months of the date on which the Commission seeks consent.

(4) When giving or refusing consent in relation to a proposal by the Commission to make a decision under subsection (2)(a)(ii) or (b), as the case may be, the Minister shall require to be satisfied as to whether or not the Commission’s proposal ensures the provision of a universal postal service.

(5) Where the Minister refuses consent to a proposal by the Commission to make a decision under subsection (2)(a)(ii) or (b), as the case may be, the designation of An Post shall continue for the duration of the unexpired period of the designation specified in subsection (1).

(6) Where, with the prior consent of the Minister, the Commission makes a decision under subsection (2)(a)(ii), the designation of An Post under subsection (1) shall cease to have effect on the date on which that decision takes effect.

(7) Where, with the prior consent of the Minister, the Commission makes a decision under subsection (2)(b), the designation of An Post under subsection (1) shall cease to have effect on the date of that decision.