asked the Minister for Communications if he is satisfied with the reliability and speed of service provided by An Post to its postal customers; if, as it is now almost six years since the setting up of An Post, he will consider appointing consultants to examine and report on the affairs of the company, its finances and, in particular, its industrial relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Post Services.
5.
As I indicated to the House in reply to a question on this subject on 3 May 1989, I am satisfied that An Post is successfully addressing problems which it had encountered relating to the reliability and speed of mail deliveries. The position is being monitored by independent surveys carried out for An Post. The latest survey shows that 88 per cent of correctly addressed standard letters posted on time for night despatch are delivered on the next working day. This compares with figures of 85 per cent and 82 per cent as shown by the two previous surveys.
I do not see a need at this time for the appointment of consultants as suggested by the Deputy. However, I know that An Post is anxious to ensure that it provides a service to the public which is equal to the best in Europe. With the completion of the Single European Market it is essential that Irish business and services have a speedy and reliable postal service if they are to compete effectively with other European businesses. Any delays or failures in this regard by An Post, for whatever reason, or any interruption of postal services, would have grave consequences for the company and could put its future in serious doubt.
Would the Minister not accept that there is a growing volume of criticism about the services being provided by An Post and, if so, does he totally accept the veracity of the figures he has given? Is there not a case to be made for the Minister to step in, as suggested by my colleague, and appoint consultants to try to ensure that the services are improved? I have no doubt, from my own area, that there is an enormous number of complaints about the services.
I accept what the Deputy said in regard to complaints. There is an enormous number of complaints, and I receive many of these myself. With regard to the surveys which are carried out, I have had people query them, just as the Deputy has. However, I am assured that they are carried out independently of An Post and have resulted in the figures I have just given.
So far as stepping in is concerned, I have had a series of meetings with the chairman and senior management of An Post. We have had three meetings this year, one of which was held as late at 2 October, covering the objectives of the company, their plans, requirements, financial and operational performance and industrial relations. These discussions are ongoing. I know that the management and the board are very conscious of the need for improvements and the Deputy and the House can be assured that everything that can be done is being done.
The time has come to deal with questions addressed to the Minister for Justice. Question No. 13.