Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Everyone present wishes Mr. Mueller the best in his role as chairman of An Post. There is no need for us to question his academic or previous business experience, as it is very clear that he is eminently well qualified to assume the chairmanship. Will he tell us a little more about his experience at Deutsche Post AG? Will he outline the similarities and differences between its structure and business model and those of An Post? He became involved in the company after privatisation. Did he become involved during the privatisation process and, if so, what impact did the privatisation or rationalisation process have on staff both during the process and afterwards? Is he still involved with Deutsche Post AG?

Mr. Mueller has a very extensive curriculum vitae. Will he have time to devote the necessary time to An Post? I also completely agree with Deputy O'Donovan that the high salaries of some in State and semi-State bodies must be seriously addressed. Does Mr. Mueller see particular difficulties and has he formed an opinion on how best to approach the difficulties in delivering on the public service obligation, particularly in rural, sparsely populated areas?

My final question is on An Post's deficit, which is mostly a pension deficit. Can the matter be addressed by individual companies? Is Government action required to support them to address their pension deficit? Are policy and legislative changes required in that regard?