asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the continued problems resulting in delays in delivery, and consequent financial and other problems for business and other bodies including a hospital (details supplied) in the Blackrock postal area; and if he will arrange discussions between representatives of his Department and representatives of the union to ensure that the difficulties are resolved.

My Department have been in continuous contact with the union with a view to having the backlog of mail cleared and normal delivery services restored as quickly as possible. Special arrangements were settled for delivering the mails which accumulated as a result of the strike and these, if maintained, should enable the backlog to be cleared this week.