Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with unions, management or staff at An Post with a view to ensuring an amicable and workable solution to any outstanding issues that might impede the provision and development of a modern, reliable, effective, cost efficient and competitive postal distribution, and counter services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5450/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have no function with regard the delivery of counter and postal services. These are the function of the board and management of the company. In order to broaden discussion and facilitate progress on the future of the post office network, I appointed Eamonn Ryan as a facilitator between the Irish Postmaster's union (IPU) and An Post. His remit was to assist in advancing issues of mutual concern and to plot a roadmap for their resolution. I have asked that the parties engage in a constructive manner in relation to Mr Ryan's findings.

With respect to the postal services I have impressed upon the management team that in terms of dealing with the competitive challenges facing An Post in the coming years, the full implementation of the restructuring plan between unions and management, agreed last year, will be essential if An Post is to be placed on a more secure financial footing.