Normally matters such as the level and quality of postal deliveries fall within the day-to-day administration of An Post. However because of the widespread concern that has existed from time to time about the quality of the delivery service I obtained reports from the company about the matter. I dealt extensively with the issues that affected the level and quality of postal delivery services in my replies to Deputies on 17 May and 29 March 1995 and outlined the measures put in place to improve the quality of the delivery service.
In June 1995 I requested the company to carry out a strategic review of its business operations. The company appointed Price Waterhouse to carry out that review. This report contains numerous recommendations on matters concerning quality of service and effective management of its operations. The board has accepted the report as a framework for future development of the company's services.
The most recent report on letter delivery services shows a relatively satisfactory performance of well over 90 per cent next day delivery for all services except Dublin to the provinces which was affected by additional Christmas mail volumes.
The questions of further operational changes and improved quality of service continue to be a day-to-day matter for the company. I am satisfied that the company now has a clear mandate and understanding of the need to address any problems arising and that it continues to provide a quality service to the public.