(Cavan) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the date on which he received application from a person (name supplied) for the installation of a telephone for business purposes; if he is aware that this man is giving considerable employment; and that a telephone is essential for his business; and if in view of this he will have a telephone installed without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Application.
5.
The application was made in August last, before business was commenced. The information furnished in support of it was not such as to qualify it for special treatment. The case is now being re-examined and if priority is warranted on present employment or other grounds, service will be provided without delay.
(Cavan): Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that this man has spent a very large amount of money, comparatively speaking—in the neighbourhood of £20,000—by way of capital, that he is employing at least a dozen people and that a telephone is essential for his business? If he satisfies the Parliamentary Secretary that what I have said is true will the Parliamentary Secretary give him priority and provide the telephone immediately?
As I have stated in my reply, the position is being re-examined and if priority is warranted, a service will be provided without delay. The Deputy asked if I were aware of this. In actual fact, we have had no reason to be aware of it. The application was made in August and three different types of businesses were set out as being the principal business of this applicant.
(Cavan): Surely the Parliamentary Secretary's officials in the towns concerned must have been aware that the man needs a telephone, that he employs a number of people——
He was giving no employment at the time he made the application. It is in view of the employment now being given that the matter is being re-examined.