A breakthrough in the dispute which threatens to disrupt postal services in the run-up to Christmas is expected today following the intervention of industrial relations mediator Mr Phil Flynn.
Settlement proposals drawn up by Mr Flynn, who held talks at the weekend with An Post management and the Irish Postmasters' Union, will be presented to both sides today.
Mr John Kane, the union's general secretary, said last night he believed the proposals would be enough to lead a resolution of the dispute. "It's not the greatest deal in the world but it's enough to get us out of trouble."
Postmasters, who operated more than 1,700 of the 1,800 post office outlets in the State, are balloting on a withdrawal of all services except social welfare payments.
