Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications Michael Moynihan has called for Government intervention following major disruption to the postal service.

An Post is advising customers not to post any items due to industrial action.

Deputy Moynihan commented: “The Government had plenty of warning about the dispute at An Post, only this week I debated this in the Dáil and Minister Alex White has failed to show any leadership on the matter.  This disruption has the potential to cause major headaches for An Post customers, particularly businesses, trying to have mail delivered for early next week.

“Any disruption the postal service can quickly escalate to cause serious problems for businesses – and this was avoidable.  The Government has had ample opportunity to take action here and has failed to do so.

“Minister Alex White told the Dáil this week that An Post had a contingency plan in place but also that it would be in appropriate for him to involve himself in the matter.  I believe that not only is it appropriate for the Minister to ensure the continuation of an important and essential state service it is actually his responsibility to do so.

“This matter can and must be resolved as a matter of urgency.”