asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the delivery of the new Telephone Directory will be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Delivery of Telephone Directory.
35.
Delivery of the new Telephone Directory to subscribers is expected to be completed by mid-February.
Is the Minister aware that his Department changed many numbers in Dublin and that at the present moment when one dials those numbers, one is told: "Consult the new Telephone Directory"? Will he say why he changed the numbers before the new Telephone Directory was available and is it not an insult to the people to tell them to consult a Directory not yet issued?
Particularly when the lady goes on repeating it ad infinitum.
The Deputy has asked an entirely separate question.
(Interruptions.)
When the numbers were changed, I understand that an arrangement was made with the subscribers that the person ringing the number would be automatically told the new number.
"Consult the new Telephone Directory"—that is what you are told automatically.
Can the Minister assure us that there is an improvement in the directory this year? My directory broke into 60 parts and some of it went into the bin; some of it went into the fire and some of it elsewhere.
The Minister said last year that it was perfectly all right and did not require any improvement.
Might I ask the Minister if it would be possible to arrange for these subscribers who dial an old number to be referred to a live operator in the exchange and not to an anonymous and persistent lady on the telephone disc who goes on saying: "Consult the new Telephone Directory" while that directory is not yet in print?
I understand the arrangement is that the number is told to the person who is ringing.
It is not. Would the Minister not dial a few numbers himself as he seems to know nothing about the operation of his own Department?
I know everything about it.
You do not know that. Any businessman in Dublin will tell you.
The Deputies are on the wrong number.
Will there be any improvement in the directory?
(Interruptions.)
He said last year that it did not need any.
In view of the tragic end of Deputy Sherwin's Telephone Directory, could he get an advance copy?
We need an advance copy in the Lobby here.
There is an arrangement whereby each Deputy who is a subscriber will get a new copy on 9th January.