I 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.