asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the total number of outstanding telephone applications in the State; and the number of outstanding applications in the Dún Laoghaire and the Dublin exchange areas.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Applications.
141.
There are 10,330 applications for telephones outstanding at present including 180 in Dún Laoghaire exchange area and 4,625 in the other Dublin exchange areas. Arrangements are in hands to provide service for 3,420 of the applicants, including 100 from Dún Laoghaire exchange area and 1,435 from the other Dublin exchange areas.
While appreciating the fact the Minister is only newly appointed, may I ask if he would accept that there is widespread dissatisfaction among the 10,000 people waiting for telephones. While admittedly 3,000 will be obtaining service within an unspecified period, it is inexcusable that for many years now no effective measures have been taken to eliminate this excessive backlog. Would the Minister ensure that the question of this loss of revenue to the State and the reflection on the State's efficiency in providing service will be dealt with as a matter of urgency?
There is no State where there is not some type of waiting list. There has been a record installation of new telephones in the past two years. In 1967, there were 19,125 telephones installed, which was an increase of over 20 per cent on the previous year; and again, in 1968, there was an increase of 21,669, which means an increase of 13 per cent. During the current year this level of installation will be further increased. There is a five months' backlog and, while I agree a waiting list of 10,000 is a bit much, quite considerable progress has been made and the demands keep growing every day.