Results 1,401-1,420 of 2,304 for speaker:John Browne
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: The communications sector is changing rapidly. As part of that sector, the global market for postal services is facing a number of significant challenges, including an increasing amount of correspondence conducted by e-mail, falling mail volumes and the threat to post office business from a move to the on-line provision of services. There are, however, a number of opportunities for postal...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: The post office network currently consists of 995 automated post offices, 404 non-automated post offices and 161 postal agencies. Effectively, the 995 automated offices transact 97.4% of business. In addition, An Post has also established 2,567 PostPoint outlets in retail premises.
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: As well as its nationwide reach, the strengths of the post office include a recognised and one of the most trusted brand names in the country, a high customer footfall and a strong relationship between postmasters and their customers. However, the network is facing a number of challenges which will intensify in coming years. First, the bulk of business undertaken by the network is high...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: In this context, An Post needs to implement an IT platform to comply with this and other requirements. While the Government will support the network in any way it can and the Minister has made it clear to the board and management of An Post that he will be supportive of them in their efforts to ensure the post office network continues to develop and thrive, the development and continued...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: 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...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: The challenge for the company is to develop a strategy that satisfies the needs of existing customers, while attracting new customers into the post office in order to maintain as large a network as is viable. Despite what has been said on the far side of the House, the Minister requested the company to develop a strategy for the long-term development of the post office network. In response...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: This is despite the fact that central to the Government approving An Post to proceed with the joint venture was that it represented a real opportunity for the company and postmasters alike to diversify and increase their income in the coming years. I, therefore, urge postmasters to reconsider their present stance, in which I am sure the Deputy will support me.
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: While the Government believes this financial services strategy is an important element in any plans to secure the long-term viability of the network, it is also keenly aware of the human and social dimension to the post office. It is also clear that other aspects of the relationship between postmasters and An Post need to be addressed. It is for this reason that the Minister decided to...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: Furthermore, they provide for the phased liberalisation of the postal market and propose that the postal sector be fully liberalised across the European Union on 1 January 2009 subject to political agreement.
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: The current regulatory framework grants An Post a legal monopoly in the provision of certain mail services in order to help it meet the costs of meeting its universal service obligation. Liberalisation of the mail market in Ireland has already commenced. Since the transposition of the two postal directives, the area of the market reserved exclusively for An Post has been reduced to 50 gm...
- Postal Services: Motion (5 Dec 2006)
John Browne: If full liberalisation is achieved, the letter post sector will be fully open to competition. The outbound international mail sector was fully liberalised on 1 January 2004. This partial opening of the market has resulted in 29 firms operating in Ireland with a postal service authorisation from ComReg.
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: I thank Deputies on both sides for their contributions. I am grateful for the opportunity to conclude the Second Stage debate on the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill. This priority Bill is a key element among a suite of measures which will allow the Government to continue to drive forward a very progressive energy agenda. The enactment of the Bill will...
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Referral to Select Committee (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, in accordance with Standing Order 120(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.
- Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: The European Community has Fisheries Partnership Agreements with both Mauritania and Mozambique. Irish vessels do not operate under the EU-Mozambique agreement. Under the agreement with Mauritania, agreed on 21st July last, Ireland secured pelagic fishing opportunities for non-freezer pelagic vessels. Applications have been received from three Irish vessel owners to avail of these...
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: He got a great reception.
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: I am glad of the Deputy's interest.
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: It is enough.
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: We are nearly there.
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: There is no fear of that happening.
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)
John Browne: There is always a light in Wexford town.