Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted that the industrial relations difficulties experienced by the company in 2005 were resolved with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, the Labour Court and the national implementation body. At the core of the dispute was the implementation of a comprehensive restructuring agreement, as well as non-payment of Sustaining Progress increases. The restructuring agreement has been signed up to by all parties and entails changes in work practices, as well as a reduction in staff numbers. The three-person expert group established by the Labour Court has remained in place and has a key role in monitoring implementation of the recommendations. I am delighted that the agreement is in place and that the company will be stronger.

Agreement on restructuring triggered full payment of Sustaining Progress moneys to staff, postmasters and pensioners in December 2005. In addition, the €20 million owed in retrospective payments was paid in October this year.

Poor management and some outdated work practices were responsible for the disimprovement in the company's financial position in the years to which I refer. A former CEO of the company came before the committee——

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