Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:169 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the likely impact on jobs arising from the rationalisation of Telecom Éireann and An Post. [18439/95]
Written Answers. - An Post/Telecom Éireann Staffing Levels.
Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:171 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the total staff reduction envisaged for Telecom Éireann; and the timespan involved. [18441/95]
I will take Questions Nos. 169 and 171 together.
The current employment levels in Telecom Éireann are seriously out of line with other national telecommunications operators and are not sustainable in a future competitive environment.
The question of the level of reduction in job numbers and how and when they will be achieved is a matter for the management of Telecom Éireann.
The achievement of sustainable levels of employment and increased productivity and lower tariff levels in Telecom Éireann will undoubtedly have positive employment impacts elsewhere in the economy. It is becoming clear that an information based economy will thrive. The rebalancing of telephone charges in 1993 and the introduction of volume discounts contributed to over 2,000 jobs being announced by the IDA in telemarketing and back-office operations. This could be the tip of the iceberg. I cannot be specific as to numbers, but I believe that they will be substantial.
In the case of An Post, a detailed review of the company was undertaken at my request, by independent consultants, Price Waterhouse. The report has recently been completed and has been accepted by the board of An Post as a framework for the future of the company.
The recommendations in the report are being considered in detail by the board and it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter before the board has completed its consideration of the report.