I would like to return briefly to the issue of alternative energy sources before I ask supplementary questions about the postal service. We tried to raise the grid code and other issues relating to wind generation, but we were not allowed to do so. Despite the Minister's comments, such policies are matters for the House. One could probably fuel a small generator — perhaps 2 MW — from the hot air the Minister generates on the other side of the House.
Does the Minister agree that the An Post workers are right to feel a deep sense of grievance about the managerial regime that existed before July 2003? The result of An Post's first loss of €7 million in 2001 was that the chief executive was rewarded with an additional €100,000 in salary and a bonus of €21,000. Is it not right, therefore, that workers are aggrieved?
With regard to the Minister's area of responsibility, where is the An Post strategic recovery plan? The House discussed the plan when there was a crisis about two months ago. Where does the Minister think it will go? What is his role? Does he still hold monthly meetings with the board of An Post? Does he continue to monitor closely what has happened to the company?
Does the Minister agree that the 2003 An Post report, which Deputies received a few weeks ago, makes quite frightening reading? The chief executive of An Post, Mr. Donal Curtis, said that its finances are on a knife edge and he predicted a difficult future for the company. Does the Minister share the reaction of many Deputies to the report? How does he envisage that the recovery plan will roll out? Mr. Curtis said there will be a reduction of 40% in managerial posts. He is looking for a reduction of 1,450 in staff and major changes in the sub-post office network, which provides a vital social service throughout the country. He also spoke about other services. For example, he constantly referred to the cost of delivering to rural Ireland, which many of us would have thought of as the purpose of An Post. Does the Minister expect the price of a basic postage stamp to increase significantly in the near future?