asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of outstanding applications for telephones in Galway city for (a) 1966-67 and (b) 1967-68; and the total amount paid by way of deposits during the same periods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway City Telephones.
1.
The number of applicants who applied during the periods mentioned in the question and who have not yet been given service is as follows:—
|
(a) 1966-67 |
nil |
|
(b) 1967-68 |
105 |
Arrangements are in hands to provide service to 40 of these.
The information requested in the second part of the question is as follows:—
|
(a) 1966-67 |
£5,006 |
|
(b) 1967-68 |
£2,879 |
Would the Parliamentary Secretary take what steps he can to expedite the installation of these tele hones? Delay in retarding the progress of tourism and business in the city generally. This is work that should be done if we are to believe that the Government want to make progress.
The Deputy has asked further questions which will probably clarify that. The surprising fact that there are no people waiting in respect of the 1966-67 period indicates that the Department are getting up-to-date in that regard.
I have a few names that I will give to the Parliamentary Secretary.
2.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of telephones it is hoped to install in Galway city during each of the coming months of 1968; and if he will give similar figures for the year 1969.
It is planned to provide service for about 200 applicants, including those currently on the waiting list, during the remaining months of this year. In 1969 it is hoped to provide service for about 275 applicants.
It is not possible to give this information on a month by month basis. Priority applications are attended to as they are received but the general body of applications are held over for group clearances which are carried out at intervals of about three months.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state what gives priority? I know that doctors and vets get priority but, after that, is it a question of having a line close by?
No. The priorities are those mentioned by the Deputy—doctors, vets and clergy. After that, there are business people with a number of employees. All that creates priority. Arising from the first question, we have 105 people awaiting the provision of telephones at present, and this year's programme provides for the provision of telephones for 200. Therefore, we are making plans for people from whom we have not yet had applications.