asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has under consideration any further in-creases in the capital investment allocation in the telecommunication system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telecommunication System.
12.
The amount of capital to be made available for development of the telephone service is considered from time to time by the Government in the light of the needs of the service and of the other demands on the Exchequer for capital, and will continue to be so considered.
Is the Minister aware that there is a figure laid down for investment between now and 1981 but already there are those who have said that this capital allocation is inadequate? Is he also aware that the telecommunications section is under increasing criticism because of breakdowns, dislocations suffered by industry and so on? In the situation, will he indicate if any review of the existing capital allocation is under way?
Let me assure the Deputy that we are anxious to press ahead with the improvement of the telecommunications services as rapidiy as possible. There is no shortage of money available for that purpose. If anything the allocations for this year will be underspent rather than overspent. As to our intentions for future years, as the Green Paper indicated, it is our intention to press ahead with rapidly increased expenditure in this area and in a number of other important infrastructural areas. If it becomes necessary to revise the total sum earmarked for the period up to 1981, the Deputy can be assured that that will be done at the appropriate time.
As the Minister indicated, figures suggest that the allocation was not taken up last year. It is difficult to understand why this happened, because the need for investment is there.
We all know why this was not taken up.
Perhaps the Minister could tell us in more detail why it was not taken up last year. I suppose the industrial dispute itself had an effect, although I do not see how capital investment can be held up for that reason.
Even though the staff needed to carry out the work is not available?
There is such a thing as overtime.
Is the Deputy aware of the massive sums that have been paid on overtime?
I am calling the next question.
In relation to this important question——
The subject is so important that we have spent 40 minutes answering 13 questions. We must make progress. The Chair has a responsibility to other Deputies.
To make a party political point I would remind the Minister that investment in this area under the last Government reversed the flow——
Question No. 13.
——and this new administration should continue the good work.
The party point is that not only are we continuing it but we are improving it.