John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

Some 95% of all post office business is conducted through its automated offices. The company has recently conducted a pilot project to computerise ten small post offices. The automation pilot project has recently been completed and the results of this trial are being assessed with a view to informing future decisions on network automation. I understand the Minister will be informed of the results once the analysis has been completed.

On foot of large-scale investment in the computerisation of the network, the company has also had some degree of success in winning new business. The past year has seen business growth in its contract business with AIB, Western Union gift vouchers, Garda fines and Billpay. Reflecting this improved business activity, since 2000 postmasters' income has increased by 63%, which compares with increases of 34% under national wage agreements over the same period and 22% in the consumer price index. The Government recognises that the matter of postmasters' remuneration is still of concern to the IPU.

Challenges remain and like all businesses, if An Post is to prosper and to grow, it must adapt to the demands of its customers and place delivery of quality services to its customers as its primary focus and objective. Automation and technology alone will not bring in the business required to support the network.

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