Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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I wish Mr. Mueller well in his future role with An Post. I recognise with my colleagues the importance of the postal network. It includes 1,100 post offices and plays a very significant role in the State. The interactions postal workers have in communities, particularly in rural Ireland, is crucial. For many people, the postal delivery might be the only visit they have day-to-day. There is a social element to it which needs to be recognised.

Is there a business unit within An Post that Mr. Mueller is particularly unhappy with and would seek to sell or have acquire new business? The postal market is shrinking, which is a real issue. Has there been any attempt to stop that process and to encourage members of the public to write a letter on a weekly or monthly basis to support the network and ensure it survives nationally? I take the point that salaries are an issue, which has historically been the case. I am sure it will be dealt with and that An Post will become a great deal more competitive. The pricing model and the fact that Ireland has one of the lowest stamp-pricing structures were mentioned. I assume it is an area Mr. Mueller will examine. There must be something given back to the public, however, to encourage it to buy into the postal market. An Post is a strong brand and everyone wants to ensure that the postal network survives.