Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources If his attention has been drawn to the call from An Post staff, at the recent Communications Workers’ Union conference in Galway, for an Oireachtas inquiry into the previous mismanagement of the State postal service; if he has plans to recommend such an inquiry; andif he will make a statement on the matter. [13695/04]
View answerI am aware of the comments made at the recent Communications Workers' Union conference in Galway. However, given the current financial difficulties faced by An Post, I am convinced that the most effective mechanism to ensure its long-term future is to focus on the critical challenges currently faced by the company rather than concentrating on past performance and management. I trust that all stakeholders in An Post would share this view.
Deputies will be aware that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has examined the situation in An Post on two occasions since the beginning of 2003. The Communications Workers' Union chose not to appear at the most recent meeting of the joint Oireachtas committee devoted to the examination of the company's financial situation, which was held earlier this year.
I do not propose to call for an Oireachtas inquiry in this matter as this would be a matter for the Oireachtas itself.
62 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that An Post is set to apply to ComReg for a 14.5% increase in the price of a stamp in an attempt to cut crippling losses at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13697/04]
View answerThe Commission for Communications Regulation, under the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002, is the designated independent body responsible for pricing policy in the postal sector. I have no function in this matter.
In regard to An Post losses and company turnaround, I have made it clear that restructuring of An Post will be a key contributor to any strategy to return the company to profitability, in particular given the advent of electronic means of communications and liberalisation of the market.
