asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the growing waiting list of applicants for telephones in County Wexford; and when it is expected that all these applicants will receive telephones.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Telephone Applicants.
61.
I am aware of the growth in the list. Arrangements have been made to clear about 20 per cent of it within the next few months and it is hoped to give service to the majority of the remaining applicants in the coming financial year.
Could the Minister give any indication as to why there has been such delay in providing telephones in County Wexford?
I have told the Deputy on several occasions that the delay was due mainly to trunk and circuit work which was absolutely necessary to provide this country with an efficient telephone service. I told the Deputy that in January 1964 and again in July last. In the coming financial year, it will be possible to divert some of the engineering effort to the provision of telephones for waiting applicants. The trunk and junction work programme has advanced to a stage where that can be done.
I take it from the Minister's encouraging reply —for the first time for a couple of years—that the main trunk circuits have now been completed and that Wexford applicants may look forward to receiving telephones in the very near future?
It is not altogether finished. I did not say that the programme of work was finished but I am telling the Deputy that in the coming financial year, many of the present outstanding applications for new telephones will be cleared.
How could the Minister do that if the circuit work is not finished?
I have told the Deputy that this work is coming to a close and that we can soon divert some of the engineering effort towards the provision of telephones for waiting applicants.
Thank you.
Is the Minister aware that the position as regards applicants for telephones has considerably worsened in the past couple of months?
The question relates only to Wexford.
This is in relation to Wexford.
Over the past four years, we have invested £16 million in the provision of essential works to enable the country to enjoy an efficient telephone service.
Is the Minister—
Question No. 62. I am not allowing any more questions.
Is the Minister aware that—
(Interruptions.)
There is Deputy Allen; he is the man who is expecting an election. He has the Order Paper filled with useless questions to show his activity.
What about the Tramore railway line?
What about Kilmore Quay? He has been in the House for about four years and today he fills up the Order Paper with questions.
Have I not the right to do so?
Will the Deputy please restrain himself? Question No. 62.