Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 1

Written Answers. - An Post Alliance.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

89 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the situation in relation to the negotiations by An Post on a strategic alliance with one of the main European operators; her views on the future of An Post; the changes envisaged; and the approximate timeframe involved. [9134/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Competition, consolidation in the postal market and new technology are driving change at a rapid pace across the EU. Combined with the spread of communications technology and the development of e-commerce, this creates an imperative for An Post to redefine and reorganise itself in the next two years.

Recognising the major challenges facing An Post, the Government accepted my proposals last November on the need for the company to engage in a radical transformation process. The Government agreed that part of this transform ation will involve a strategic alliance with one of the major European operators and agreement to future liberalisation of the postal market. The Government also gave the go-ahead for negotiations on an employee share ownership scheme which will be part of the transformation of the company. I am confident that the company will be able to position itself to meet the challenges ahead.

I have asked the company to consider the various options on a strategic partnership and to put proposals to me at an early date.