To ask the Postmaster-General whether it is a fact that a considerable number of telephone subscribers in Cork City are suffering the inconvenience of telephonic disconnection, and will he state what steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs; also whether he is aware that the business community in the South of Ireland has suffered serious financial losses in recent years through delay in telegraphic communications between Cork and Dublin, and if he contemplates any steps that should result in a more expeditious service.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - CORK TELEPHONE SUBSCRIBERS.
The Cork Telephone Exchange was wrecked on the 8th August last and every possible effort has since been made to restore it and to connect the subscribers' lines. The work is progressing as rapidly as possible, and it is hoped that it will be completed towards the end of the month. Up to the present about 500 lines have been connected. I have no information regarding the financial losses referred to by the Deputy, but steps have already been taken to provide Creed high-speed telegraph apparatus at Cork, principally to deal with the Dublin traffic. It is hoped to have the apparatus installed in a few months, when improved working between Cork and Dublin will be effected in normal conditions. For the past few months, however, telegraphic communication between these cities has been greatly interrupted, owing to the persistent malicious cutting of the lines, and, until malicious damage to lines ceases, a satisfactory service cannot be maintained.