I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 3 and 5 together. The Labour Relations Commission has issued a framework document to An Post and the Communications Workers Union. Both sides have considered the document and are prepared to enter talks under the terms of the LRC proposal. I welcome this very significant development as a positive step towards resolving the current difficulties.
Extensive contacts have been undertaken over the course of the past week involving all the major stakeholders, including the Labour Relations Commission, to find a basis on which both sides could commence negotiations. While this latest step represents significant progress, the challenge in finding a basis on which the Labour Relations Commission could get involved is an indication of how complex and deep-seated the issues are, and nobody should underestimate the difficulty of finding a resolution to the current dispute. For my part, I emphasise that the Government is fully committed to the An Post employee share ownership plan, ESOP, in the context of the implementation of a recovery strategy for the company and provided that the terms of the agreement are complied with.
It is clear that An Post customers are suffering serious inconvenience as a result of the dispute and companies which operate in a highly competitive business environment cannot afford any loss in competitiveness arising from an industrial relations situation outside their control. An Post's financial situation is such that a prolonged dispute could cause serious financial damage to the company.
An Post needs to restructure and return to a firm financial footing if it is to be a strong player in the Irish postal market. It must continue to provide quality services to customers and sustainable employment for staff. The recovery strategy approved unanimously by the board of An Post sets out the basis on which the company, in partnership with the trades unions, can do so.
I compliment the management and staff of An Post, the union leaders and their members, the Labour Relations Commission and Mr. Kieran Mulvey and my staff on the discussions that have led to this significant breakthrough. I wish all involved the best.