asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reason for the delay in issuing part two of the 1978 telephone directory; and when it is intended to distribute it.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Directory.
20.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is anticipated that part two of the 1978 telephone directory will appear before 1979.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
In reply to a question on 18 April last I explained that, due to the engineering dispute and staff shortages, part one would not be distributed until June and that part two would be distributed about August. However, technical difficulties in production of part two by the printer caused further delay. Distribution of it commenced on 16 October.
It is a ludicrous situation to have part two of the current year's telephone directory being distributed now almost at the end of the year.
There were a number of exceptional factors this year. Part two does contain many new telephone numbers coming into service at present so it is in fact an up-to-date telephone directory.
When will the 1979 directory be issued?
The Deputy should ask a separate question on that subject.
Does the Minister think that it would be appropriate to block out 1978 and put some other date on it? The new telephone directory has not yet been delivered in certain parts of the country despite the Minister's assurances.
(Interruptions.)