Vol. 557 No. 4
277 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will intervene in the postal dispute which is seriously affecting rural sub post offices; if he will intervene to try to resolve the dispute before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22280/02]
279 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to try to resolve the dispute between An Post and sub post masters; the action he has taken in this regard; if his Department has made contact with both sides to try to resolve this dispute; the background to the dispute; if he has had meetings with this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 279 together.
The dispute between the Irish Postmasters' Union and An Post is principally in relation to the level of payment to postmasters for mail work carried out at approximately 550 rural post offices. Other services provided by post offices such as over the counter welfare payments are not affected by the dispute. I also understand that, aside from certain isolated cases, the contingency arrangements put in place by An Post have ensured that mail deliveries continue to be made in rural areas.
I stress that I have no statutory function in such disputes, nor would it be correct for me to intervene in a matter which is for the board and management of An Post to resolve. However, I am pleased to note that Mr. Phil Flynn, who has successfully acted as a mediator between the Irish Postmasters' Union and An Post in the past, has convened a meeting of both parties this week in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Given the very serious financial difficulties facing the company with losses of €20 million forecast for this year, which can only be aggravated by industrial action of this nature, I trust both parties will make every effort to reach an agreement in the interest of the company, its employees and its customers.
