asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he can state approximately the number of applications for installations of telephones in the Dublin district, and if he is prepared to say that as regards installations, saturation point has been reached.

The total number of applications for telephone exchange lines in the Dublin district at present receiving attention is 66.

So far from saturation point being reached, ample provision has been made for large numbers of additional subscribers, and persons desiring service can, in cases where the position presents not unusual features, obtain it within a reasonable period after the signature of the necessary agreement.

If there were not a shortage of cable at present could not more work be done in connection with the telephones?

That does not arise out of the question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the holding up of installations and the stoppage of canvassing for the installation of telephones are due to the fact that the Department has not any cable at present?

That does not arise out of the question. All wish to say is that the dismissal of the men has had no effect on holding up the supplying of telephones to subscribers.