Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the House to debate the deplorable financial condition of An Post, a semi-State company that needs a major shake up. Unlike Aer Lingus which has turned deficit into profit, An Post has a long way to go. I am disturbed to read reports in this morning's newspapers of possible disposal of property by An Post and the increase in the cost of stamps by 12 cent or 15 cent. An Post has stated it will not be able to guarantee delivery to every house in future. We have all complained about the poor service offered by An Post in recent times. It now takes two or three days for a letter to arrive compared to one day in the past. The situation is very unsatisfactory.