Vol. 519 No. 6
113 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her position in relation to the future of An Post, in particular in relation to new commercial opportunities, strategic partners and partial or full privatisation. [14622/00]
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 over 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 transformation will involve agreement to future liberalisation of the postal market. The Government has also asked the company to examine options regarding a possible strategic alliance with one of the major European operators. 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. The Government has recently approved the general principles of an ESOP, which is to be accompanied by a major transformation agenda, and a ballot of the employees on the proposals will take place shortly.
