Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Written Answers. - An Post Strategic Plan.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

28 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the strategic plan, if any, he has for An Post in view of recent criticism of the company at the annual conference of the Association of Higher Civil Servants. [10835/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

The question of a strategic plan for An Post is a matter in the first instance for the board of the company.

As the House is aware, An Post appointed in 1995 independent consultants Price Waterhouse to carry out a strategic review of its entire operations. The review was instigated at my request and included an examination of the role, method of operation and effectiveness of An Post. I wanted the company to be in a position to deal with the challenges that lay ahead especially those arising from the emerging EU proposals for liberalisation of the postal sector.

The consultants reported last October with over 400 recommendations dealing with matters such as a more active role for the board in the determination of policy and in overseeing the implementation of strategy by management, strengthening of top management, restructuring of the main business units (letterpost, post offices, and SDS), customer service improvements including the preparation of a customer charter, training of staff in customer service and development of product and service standards and changes in the management of human resources.

The scale of changes proposed represents a mammoth undertaking for the board, management and staff of An Post. I am pleased that the report has been accepted by the board as a framework for the future direction of the company and that its recommendations are being implemented.