Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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An Post is a commercial State body and the question of pay increases in the company is one in which I have no function. An Post has a remit to be financially viable and following significant losses, which amounted to €43 million in 2003 alone, An Post management invoked the inability to pay clause provided for in Sustaining Progress.

The key challenge for the company is to return to long-term financial stability. In this regard, An Post unions and management are involved in intensive negotiations with the assistance of the State's industrial relations machinery in a bid to agree a recovery plan that will put the company on a sound footing. The question of Sustaining Progress related payments are being addressed in the Labour Relations Commission brokered process. An agreement on a viable recovery plan will enable An Post to deliver quality services to our citizens, while at the same time providing sustainable well-paid employment for its staff.