Mr. Brian McGann:

With regard to new business, An Post tendered for the driving licence renewals contract but it was something that it could never compete for because it has a network of 1,150 offices. Somewhere in Government a decision was made to have 30 or so locations where a person could renew a driving licence. It is important to remember that when decisions like that are being made it is very difficult for companies like An Post to tender successfully for such business if they are not being asked to compete basis on the strength of its network.

An Post has also sought the motor tax renewals business. I am aware that the chief executive of An Post met a number of people in the Department. Nothing has happened except a local government efficiency review which does not appear to have achieved anything or there has been no outcome.

An Post needs to compete for the business but the Government needs to recognise the extent and structure of the network and what the network can and cannot do. One of the things that An Post and the post office network can offer is accessibility to people for face-to-face over the counter transactions. That is the business that the post office network is in, that is the business that the post office network is good at and that is the business that many people want. The company must be able to compete fairly for contracts.