Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 2

Written Answers. - An Post Restructuring Proposals.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

34 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the current position regarding proposals made by An Post regarding restructuring; if the viability plan previously announced is still under consideration; if he has had, or plans any further talks with either union or management on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to an Adjournment Debate on 17 October last in relation to an industrial dispute in An Post. In the course of that reply I outlined the various initiatives which I had taken in relation to An Post's proposals to return the company to financial health. These initiatives included: a meeting with the unions representing An Post's staff; discussions involving the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, resulting in a formula for management/union negotiations; my request to An Post to rescind their decision to withddraw from the conciliation and arbitration scheme; and my request to the company to withdraw their viability plan and to replace it with a set of proposals designed to achieve break-even in 1992 and to meet their statutory financial targets.

I also requested An Post and the unions to participate in discussions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission in relation to both the company's proposals for cost reduction and the question of the payment of outstanding pay awards.

In accordance with proposals drawn up by the Labour Relations Commission, An Post and the unions have engaged in direct negotiations on measures designed to resolve the company's financial problems. I understand that it has been found necessary to refer a number of priority measures for recommendation by a tribunal under a chairman appointed by the Labour Relations Commission and that the tribunal will have its first meeting on 16 December 1991. Direct An Post/Union negotiations under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission on the full agenda of recovery proposals are continuing in the meantime.