The communications regulator has confirmed that two consultants hired to examine the possible introduction of post codes have withdrawn after a complaint by the Communications Workers Union (CWU).
The CWU claims the previous involvement of the individuals with a UK company which advises on private access to the postal network was not disclosed.
ComReg said there was no question of a conflict of interest and that the two people have withdrawn from the project.
The National Postcodes Project Board was set up to examine the need for the introduction of post codes ahead of the planned liberalisation of the postal market in 2009.
The board comprises a number of stakeholders, including the Communications Workers Union.
CWU members and postal workers are fearful that the introduction of post codes will make access to the An Post network easier and cheaper for private operators and would lead to job losses.
The so called 'downstream access' means private operators can sort mail themselves but use the An Post network to deliver it.
The union discovered by accident that two of the consultants engaged by the postcodes board through a company called Strategia had a previous connection with an UK company engaged in down stream access.
While the CWU is not claiming any conflict of interest, it said members were very concerned about the lack of disclosure from the company concerned.
