asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that in the new telephone directory the address and phone number for Cork County Council are given as County Hall 26891; that the new premises are unoccupied and will not be occupied by county council, manager and staff before April, 1968; and that this is causing much annoyance and disappointment to people who have to ring the county council or its various offices on business; if he will state who was responsible; and what steps he intends taking to rectify the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork County Council Offices.
7.
The particulars in question were inserted in the current directory at the request of the subscriber. Pending occupation of the new offices calls made to 26891 are routed to the council's offices in the courthouse.
Is the Minister aware that people who have to phone Cork County Council, the Housing Committee, the Sanitary Committee or other section, have no number in the telephone directory which they can phone?
Phone Corry instead.
I explained to the Deputy that the particulars in question were inserted in the current directory at the request of the subscriber. There is nothing I can do about it.
In relation to the provision of a kiosk or public telephone service, what considerations are regarded as appropriate by the Minister's Department?
That is a separate question.
To some extent it is related to the number of people who are likely to use it and also to existing facilities, including telephones for emergencies at late hours of the night, and public call offices within a short distance where service is available up to 9 or 10 p.m. There are a number of considerations and we are opening each year a great number of kiosks and we are continuing the programme as rapidly as we can but we have to have due regard to the economics.
The reason I ask is that my information is that in relation to Clara it is felt locally that there is an inadequate provision of public telephones in Clara and that people cannot at late hours get any facility.
The information I have is that there are about 40 houses in the Model Village and there is a public telephone——
I am referring to Clara.
We have gone away from Question No. 6.
Yes, that is Dripsey.
We are getting muddled.
I am referring to Question No. 6.
I think we have gone haywire.
I think I had better communicate with the Deputy.
This is what we blame telephonists for at times. I wonder are we blaming them incorrectly sometimes.