asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that during the peak of the matje herring fishing on Tory Island the telephonic communication with the mainland was out of order for a period of four days at the end of April and beginning of May, with resultant serious financial losses to the islanders; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to have an up-to-date apparatus installed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tory Island Telephone.
The Tory Island radiotelephone service was withdrawn for three hours on 26th April for the purpose of testing apparatus. There has been no interruption of the service since that date.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to a previous question on 30th January, the Department has placed a contract for the supply of a more up-to-date type of radio telephone equipment for various islands off the north-west, west and south coasts. Delivery of the equipment is not expected until the end of this year and it is hoped to commence the installations next spring.