Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has received communication from or given directions to An Post in the matter of the future of the postage, sorting and distribution services throughout the country; if he has received any information regarding the future use of post offices and sub-post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3563/05]
View answerSince taking office, I have met the chairperson and the chief executive of An Post and with the board of An Post. I have also met union representatives. Departmental officials meet with An Post management on a monthly basis to be updated on significant issues. I am advised on the outcome of the monthly meetings.
With regard to the future of postal services throughout the country, there is agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the changing environment and to continue to offer a good service to the customer. To progress the change agenda, an exhaustive process of negotiation between An Post management and An Post trades unions has taken place over the last year. In particular, negotiations between company management and the Communications Workers Union, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, were ongoing for most of 2004 but to date, despite much good work, the negotiations have not been brought to a successful conclusion. To keep up the momentum of the process and in an effort to resolve all remaining difficulties, the outstanding issues on collection and delivery arrangements will come to the Labour Court for hearing on 7 February with a view to agreeing a way forward in implementing a recovery strategy aimed at returning the company to a secure financial footing.
The challenge is for both sides to redouble their efforts to agree to put in place and to manage the changes necessary to enable An Post to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Its efforts in this regard will have the support and assistance of the State's industrial relations machinery.
With regard to the future of the post office network, this Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the programme for Government. I have met the Irish Postmasters Union and listened with interest to its views on the future development of the network. My officials continue to be in regular contact with the management of An Post to assist with securing and developing our post office services.
The post office network has been the subject of a number of studies and reviews in recent years. Many of the recommendations arising from these reviews have been implemented, with particular regard to winning new business, including extra banking and new utility business.
There is widespread recognition that the best strategy to sustain the network is for An Post to continue adapting to its customer needs within the financial constraints in which it now finds itself. In this regard I have asked the Irish Postmasters Union and An Post to work in partnership to maximise their efforts to secure the existing business and to pursue new business at every available opportunity.
