Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the future configuration and role of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34136/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The future configuration and role of An Post is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post. The Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the programme for Government. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

I believe An Post will continue to play a key national role, both in delivery of mail and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. The market for traditional postal and post office services is changing globally and meeting customer needs has become more important than ever. In order to remain competitive, An Post must make the best possible use of its long established and trusted brand name and deploy its resources in a manner which continues to serve existing customers' needs and attracts additional customers for a range of new services.

It is agreed 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. With this in mind, the board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan outlining the steps, including comprehensive restructuring and cost savings, which I believe are vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing.

I have continuously emphasised the need for all stakeholders in the company to work together in a partnership approach and to utilise the industrial relations mechanisms of the State where necessary, in order to agree and implement the recovery strategy to bring about the cost savings and productivity growth required to return the company to financial stability and prepare for the challenges ahead.