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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Oct 1966

Vol. 224 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fermoy Telephone Exchange.

80.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what is the position in relation to the provision of a new telephone exchange at Fermoy, County Cork; whether he is aware of the overcrowded and unhealthy conditions of the present building, arising from which there is a high incidence of sickness among the telephonists; and that in present circumstances it is not possible to provide an adequate service to the public; and whether immediate steps will be taken (1) to overcome the present unhealthy conditions and (2) to provide facilities which will enable a proper service to be given to the public.

The incidence of sickness among the telephonists in Fermoy is well below the average for the grade and there is no evidence that conditions in the exchange have contributed to ill-health.

I am aware that the space in the present telephone exchange is inadequate and that the quality of service during busy periods falls below the desired standard. Action to remedy the situation has, however, already been taken. Arrangements have been made to transfer the exchange to a larger room being fitted out for this purpose in adjoining premises which have been acquired. The work involved, which will include minor structural alterations and the installation of extra switchboards, will take some time to complete but the new exchange will be in service in good time for next summer's traffic peaks.

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