Minister disappointed at breakdown of An Post talks

Communications Minister Noel Dempsey says he's disappointed at the breakdown of talks earlier today aimed at averting Monday's postal strike.

Mr Dempsey has urged both sides to use the time between now and Sunday's midnight deadline to try and avoid serious disruption to mail deliveries.

Stephen Fitzpatrick of the Communications Workers Union says An Post refused to agree to an option which would have suspended the planned industrial action.