asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the long delay in the delivery of inland telegrams between country places and Dublin; and if, in view of the serious effect of such delays on the cattle traders and the business community generally, he will take steps to expedite the telegram service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Delivery of Inland Telegrams.
The existing lines are unable to cope with the telegraph traffic, which has increased by over 70 per cent. since the beginning of the emergency, hence the unavoidable delay.
Owing to the shortage of engineering materials, additional lines cannot be provided but, otherwise, everything possible is being done to reduce delay to a minimum.
Is the Minister quite sure that this has not anything to do with a shortage of staff in the Central Telegraph Office in Dublin, and that it is entirely a question of lines?
Lines and material.
It is causing a great deal of hardship, especially to the members of the Cattle Traders' Association. The Minister can understand that if they cannot get information about cattle at a railway siding in Dublin, the matter is very serious.
We do everything possible to make the lack of supplies fall as lightly as possible.