John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the nature of his recent discussion with management, unions or staff in An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2043/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have had no meetings with the management or unions of An Post so far this year. However, during the recent industrial relations difficulties at the company, I held a number of meetings with representatives of An Post management, the chairperson and representatives of the company's unions on a number of occasions at which I emphasised to all parties the importance of an early start to the company's modernisation and that both sides engage directly, and work in partnership in order to resolve the problems besetting the company.

The recent developments at An Post, where the parties have accepted the Labour Court recommendations of 22 November last leading to a resolution to the recent industrial relations difficulties at An Post are therefore most welcome.

On foot of this Labour Court recommendation, the company has paid the outstanding increases due last year under Sustaining Progress to all employees and pensioners and has agreed to pay all future increases as they fall due and the unions have signed up to a change and modernisation programme.

The company has also accepted the court recommendation that all retrospective payments, relating to the 5% Sustaining Progress increase paid by An Post from 1 January last year, be made to its employees and pensioners as soon as the company is returned to reasonable and sustainable profit and when commercial circumstances permit.

I now look forward to the parties working together to implement the change programme that is so essential to the company's future financial viability and to providing the quality of service which customers are entitled to expect.