Brian O'Shea
Question:80 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress which has been made by the Partnership Forum to oversee developments in the postal network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29664/01]
Written Answers. - Postal Services.
The forum, which is representative of An Post, the Irish Postmaster's Union and relevant Departments and which is chaired by Phil Flynn, was established to identify and recommend measures to progress the implementation of necessary changes to the post office network in the light of the substantial losses of up to 102 million – £80 million – being forecast for the network by 2004. The forum has met four times and is making good progress on a range of issues central to the restructuring process. These include: the introduction of agency arrangements for 26 post offices on a pilot basis; the agreement of a suitable package for postmasters who wish to surrender their contracts to provide network services; and an examination of what additional Government and other services could be routed through the post office network.
The increase in pay for postmasters recommended in the Flynn report has been implemented by An Post this month. The company has also recently won a contract to provide over the counter bill payment services for the ESB. They will build on the existing bill pay facilities provided by An Post and will be an important source of income for the network going forward. I expect a report from the forum by the end of this year.