asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that considerable irritation and loss of business has been caused to telephone subscribers in recent months, by prolonged delays at the Dublin Telephone Exchange, particularly in reply to the "Dial O" signal for emergency and trunk calls; if he will inquire into the causes of such delays; and, if necessary, provide additional staff to cope adequately with the pressure of business.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Delays.
I am aware that recently there has been delay in answering calls to "Dial O." The delay is due to the fact that the number of switchboards in the exchange is not sufficient to enable the greatly increased traffic to be handled with due expedition. Hitherto it was not possible to obtain additional switchboards, but a few have recently become available and are at present being installed. These will be in operation soon and will give some relief but, until switchboards are obtainable in sufficient numbers, it will remain difficult at periods of pressure to avoid delay in answering calls to "O". The matter is receiving very special attention and I am hopeful that some further improvement will be feasible before long.
I should like to add that the equipment in the Dublin automatic exchanges is also heavily overloaded. Additional equipment has been needed for some years past as well as various items for replacement of worn-out parts. These have hitherto been unobtainable, but the contractors are at present carrying out an extension of the system which, when completed, will remedy the present position. Unfortunately, owing to the complex character of the installation, it will be several months before relief is obtained.