Vol. 421 No. 9
8 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications whether she will make a statement on the settlement of the postal dispute and its implications for An Post's viability plan with particular reference to the closing of sub-post offices, the loss of jobs in the postal service and the introduction of roadside mail boxes.
36 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will confirm that a summary of the report of the consultants commissioned by the NESC to examine the position of An Post recently published in the media is accurate; if she will outline her response to the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
80 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications when the Foley and McKeown report, commissioned by her Department into aspects of An Post's viability plan, will be made available to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 36 and 80 together.
As the House is already aware, An Post are in serious financial trouble and there is an urgent need to implement proposals to restore the company to financial health. The settlement of the recent postal dispute enables the company to proceed with implementation of their priority recovery proposals. An Post are in negotiation with the unions about the company's remaining proposals, excluding those relating to the closure of sub-post offices and the introduction of roadside letter boxes. As the House knows, these matters were the subject of a report by consultants nominated by the NESC and appointed by my predecessor.
My examination of the report of the consultants who studied the social-economic implications for rural communities of those two proposals is continuing. I will arrange for publication of the report and the furnishing of copies to the Oireachtas Library in due course. I do not propose to comment on media reports on this subject.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread speculation that the Government will not implement the viability plan and, in particular, that the proposals in relation to the closure of sub-post offices, the loss of jobs and the provision of roadside boxes have been dropped? Would she agree that much of that speculation has arisen as a direct result of the use of the phrase "these proposals are not on my agenda" by the Taoiseach in a recent interview? Are these proposals still on the Minister's agenda?
As I said, I am studying the consultants' report into these two areas which were part of the viability plan. The consultants were asked to examine these areas on the basis of their economic impact on rural communities. I have not completed my study of that report, but when I do I will publish the report and make it available in the Oireachtas Library. I cannot comment, nor would I want to, on any speculation in the media or otherwise in relation to what is in the report.
I did not refer to speculation in the media. I heard the Taoiseach say "these proposals are not on my agenda". Am I to assume that these proposals are still on the Minister's agenda?
We are having clear repetition. This is a luxury we cannot afford at Question Time.
The Minister is evading the question.
The only reason I repeated my question was because it was not answered. I thought it would have been a matter of considerable importance to find out whether the Taoiseach and his Minister differ in relation to this matter. I hope the Minister will answer the question. Assuming there is some going back on these proposals — I hope I am right in assuming that — what alternative arrangements has the Minister in mind for overcoming the financial problems to which she has once again referred? The Minister stated on 20 May that if the trend is not corrected An Post would not be in existence by the beginning of 1995.
Let us have brevity.
The Deputy need have no worries about differing opinions between the Taoiseach and the Minister.
Is the Minister off to Europe?
I can have nothing on my agenda while I am in the middle of studying a report.
I hear Ray is not getting the job.
If I were to make any comments on my views on a particular subject in advance of studying a report, the Deputy would have another reason for complaint. Therefore I do not intend to do that. An Post's recovery proposals were designed to achieve by 1995 the annual savings which they targeted. As a result of the amicable settlement of the postal dispute An Post are now in direct negotiations with the CWU and the CMU to implement the proposals in relation to these matters and it would be in everybody's interest to ensure that those discussions proceed quickly.
Is the Minister still of the opinion that if these proposals are not implemented An Post will not be in existence at the beginning of 1995 and, if so, what does she intend to do about the matter?
An Post are proceeding with the programme they laid out before the postal dispute of implementing cost cutting measures. That programme is progressing, as is the wish of the unions. At this stage all of us should be helpful to both sides to ensure that the discussions proceed as amicably and as quickly as possible.
I will draw the Minister's remarks to the attention of the Taoiseach.
The Minister will be giving out post boxes at the next election.
Question No. 9 in the name of Deputy Ivan Yates.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 12 and 17 together.
I tabled Questions Nos. 12 and 17 and I object to both of those questions being taken together.
Sorry, Deputy, that is the prerogative of the Minister.
A Cheann Comhairle, Question No. 12 is a separate question.
The Deputy is wasting the precious time of Priority Questions.
A Cheann Comhairle——
Please, Deputy. The Deputy should appreciate what she is doing.
Question No. 12 was originally tabled to the Taoiseach but he refused to take it. It was then transferred to the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications.
I have no responsibility for that matter. We are wasting precious time. I am surprised at the Deputy.
The Taoiseach is hiding behind the skirt of the Minister and the Minister is hiding behind the cloak of Priority Questions.
Questions Nos. 9, 12 and 17.
I refuse to allow my Questions Nos. 12 and 17 to be taken with Question No. 9.
Deputy Taylor-Quinn has caused serious disruption and disorder during Priority Questions. I must now ask the Deputy to resume her seat.
A Cheann Comhairle——
The Deputy should resume her seat.
Will you tell me——
The Deputy should resume her seat.
——what rights I have as a Member of this House? This question has been tabled since the middle of May.
The Deputy should resume her seat or leave the House.
Would you please tell me——
Deputy Taylor-Quinn will now leave the House.
A Cheann Comhairle——
The Deputy is defying the Chair and I shall have to ask, therefore, that she be named.
A Cheann Comhairle——
The Deputy has one last chance.
Will you tell me what right I have as a Member——
I must ask that Deputy Taylor-Quinn be named.
