Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of occasions on which he has met with the An Post management and the workforce in An Post; the best options for the future development of the postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28076/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of occasions on which he has met with the An Post management and the workforce in An Post; the best options for the future development of the postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28103/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 232 together.

The development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network, is in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post. An Post plays a key role, both in delivery of mails and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. However, there is universal agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and to continue to offer a top class nationwide delivery service to the customer into the future.

The board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan, incorporating details of a proposed new collection and delivery service, vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing. The plan has assumed significant changes in work practices, tariff increases and the payment of wage increases. It sets out the way forward for the company. Adoption of restructuring that delivers real change is the only way that An Post workers can look forward to receiving pay increases in line with other sectors.

To progress the change agenda, I have met with representatives of An Post management on eight occasions over the past 12 months. I have also met twice with representatives of the main union in An Post, the Communications Workers' Union and met also with representatives of the Irish Postmasters' Union on three occasions. I have listened with interest to the views of all parties concerned on the future of the network. I have emphasised to all parties the importance of an early start to the company's modernisation and that both sides must engage directly to resolve long-standing and deep-seated problems besetting the company.