Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that An Post and the postal union representatives are anxious to ascertain Government policy in respect of future structure and delivery of postal services and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11413/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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As set out clearly in the Programme for Government, this Government and the Board of An Post continue to be committed to the objective of ensuring a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network into the future. In the face of growing competition, I believe that there will continue to be a key national role for An Post in the delivery of mails and parcels.

Full market opening in the postal sector is due to take place in 2009, subject to political agreement. The Government is confident that once the initial challenges presented by liberalisation have been overcome, full competition in the postal market will ultimately be good for both An Post and Irish consumers.

It is imperative however, that the company restructure itself effectively and that management and trade unions in An Post work together to transform the company into an efficient and modern service provider by implementing the agreed restructuring programme.

The draft third postal directive proposes that the existing universal service standards be maintained. This issue is of particular importance to Ireland so as to ensure that all consumers have access to a high quality postal service. I recently outlined my views on these and other matters arising from the draft directive at a conference organised by the An Post group of unions regarding liberalisation and the future of the postal service.