asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give a breakdown of the charges now required by his Department for the installation of a telephone; if he will give an indication of the average waiting period in the Dublin area; and whether this period of waiting is longer on the south than the north side of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Installation Charges.
32.
Mr. O'Leary
The annual rental charges, payable in advance, for a new telephone are, £14 business line; £12 residence line.
A connection charge of £10 is also payable. If however a line and instrument already exist a lower connection charge of £2 applies. Reduced connection charges apply in the case of existing subscribers moving to new addresses.
With regard to the second part of the question, about 40 per cent of new applicants are given service within three months. The average waiting period for the remainder is about one year.
The waiting period is currently longer for applicants on the north side of Dublin than for those on the south.
Mr. O'Leary
Did I hear the Minister aright, that there is an increased charge in the case of persons seeking to have a new line installed? Is there an increase that did not obtain formerly? Has there been a change in the charges in the case of persons looking for new phones?
The connection charge in the case of persons who apply for a transfer is £4, from £2.
Mr. O'Leary
Can the Minister say what exactly is the reason for the delay on the north side as against the south side?
The north side is not so well supplied with lines. We are installing new cabling there all the time.