asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is proposed to erect the letter box at Aphort, Arranmore Island, County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Services.
22.
In addition to a sub-post office there are two letterboxes on Arranmore, one in Ballintra and another in Aphort, and these are regarded as adequate to cater for the posting needs of the island.
Would the Minister consider locating a letter box at this point? I have been told in the past that the postman would collect letters but, unfortunately, he does not visit every house every day so I implore the Minister to provide a letter box for this area which would cost only about £10.
On 7 July 1981 Deputy Killilea, speaking in this House about the need for a telephone kiosk on an island in Lough Corrib said:
I made an order for a postbox on Aranmore. It is an absolute necessity and I made my decision as a result of representations from all sides of the House. It is my hope that the Minister will back my decision.
However, in a letter to Deputy Andrews a few weeks earlier the Minister said it was not considered that the amount of correspondence likely to be posted in a letterbox at Mr. Gallagher's shop would justify its provision and servicing. He said there were other letterboxes within a reasonable distance which are considered to cater adequately for local needs. In addition, a delivery postman carries a stock of stamps and accepts items for posting. These facilities compare reasonably well with those provided in similar areas throughout the country. Can Deputy Killilea explain the discrepancy between what he said in the House and in the letter?
Can the Minister state the date of the letter?
February 1981.
Is it appropriate for a Minister in answering questions to quote from the Official Report?
The Minister may, but Deputies may not.
Is the Minister aware that in May 1981, I made an order to install the said letterbox in Aranmore following numerous representations from all sides of the House, including the Minister?
Deputy Killilea's axiom about giving an order and not providing the money reminds me of the tramps who said "we could have bacon and eggs if we had bacon".
I appreciate the Minister of State cannot be parochial but I ask him, as one Donegal man to another, in view of the fact that the letterbox would cost only £10 to consider erecting it as quickly as possible.
I will talk privately to the Deputy about this.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.