asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the continuous complaints about the generally unsatisfactory nature of the telephone service, including the delay in replying when dialling 10; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Improvement of Telephone Service.
47.
When this question was tabled last month, an unsatisfactory service was being given at Dublin Exchange. This was particularly so during the night hours because as the Deputy is aware a large number of the night telephonists were on strike at the time.
Although for most of the period of the strike full daytime staffing was maintained, the service at times fell short of the desired standard. This was mainly due to the storms and floods in November and December which not only caused exceptionally heavy damage to the telephone network itself but also increased the traffic demand to and from the affected districts.
The exchanges at Cork and Limerick were also involved in the strike of night operators but normal service was generally maintained during the day.
Since the return of the staff to work the service throughout the system has been generally satisfactory.