andMr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the names of the suppliers from whom his Department obtains switching equipment for automatic telephone exchanges; the usual delay from the time the order is placed to the time the equipment is supplied; if this delay has on many occasions been excessive; and if other suppliers of this equipment have been considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Equipment.
115.
My Department have ordered switching equipment for automatic telephone exchanges from the following firms:
C.G.C.T., Paris,
L.M. Ericsson, Stockholm,
Plessey, Ireland Ltd., Dublin,
Standard Telephones and Cables Ltd., Dublin, and
Technico (Communications) Ltd., Dublin.
Normally, the tenders on which contracts are based provide for the supply and installation of the equipment within a period of about one and a half to three years from the date of order. In practice, however, considerable delays beyond the contractual period arise in many cases. These further delays arise because of production difficulties, industrial disputes, difficulties experienced with sub-contractors, delays in completing buildings, et cetera. Contracts for the supply and installation of switching equipment for new exchanges are placed following consideration of competitive tenders which are invited from about 12 firms, but so far only the five firms named above have been successful.
Is the Minister aware that in respect of applications for telephones which are delayed, a very common reply given by his Department is that equipment for the particular exchange has been on order for some time and has not yet been installed? This delay seems to be a major factor in regard to people not getting their telephones installed. Will the Minister have another look at this whole issue to see if we are adopting the right procedures in regard to getting this switching equipment and if we are ordering the necessary equipment in time?
I am aware that the first part of what the Deputy says is possibly true. I would go further and say that we are having great difficulty in meeting the demand for telephones.
116.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when additional exchange equipment for the Ballsbridge, Dublin, area was ordered; and when it is expected to be installed.
Additional exchange equipment for the Ballsbridge, Dublin, area was ordered in August of last year. Installation is to commence in two months time with completion about the end of next year.
Is the delay normal or is it longer than usual?
This is a very big exchange. The equipment is costing something in the region of £1 million. There was also the question of the site and the buildings and all these things take time.