An Post has come under attack over its failure to announce plans to attract savings under the Government's special savings incentives schemes.

Fine Gael enterprise spokesman Mr Jim Higgins yesterday called on An Post to clarify if it would be participating in the new scheme.

A spokeswoman for An Post said it runs savings schemes on behalf of the National Treasury Management Agency and that it was awaiting instructions from the agency with regard to the special savings scheme.

The NTMA said it was in the process of formulating a product to avail of the scheme and would be rolling it out in advance of the May 1st starting date.

Mr Higgins said An Post should be to the forefront embracing and marketing the new scheme in order to enhance its own future, given the manner in which its role was being re-examined and serious questions being asked about the viability of sub-post offices. An Post currently offers savings bonds and certificates, which are popular with risk-averse investors, as well as deposit savings.