asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that there are considerable delays occurring in the telephone service with Great Britain; and if he will take immediate steps to have this matter remedied.

The delays complained of are due to shortage of circuits on the cross-Channel route. Some additional circuits have recently been provided which have reduced the delays, but it will not be possible to give full relief until a new cross-Channel cable can be laid. Arrangements to this end are proceeding in co-operation with the British Post Office.

And will we have to wait for the new telephone exchange in St. Andrew Street, or is it in St. Andrew Street that it is proposed to provide the new exchange?

The Deputy must ask a separate question about what we propose to do in St. Andrew Street, but that has nothing to do with the arrangements we are carrying through at present with regard to an extra cable.

There will not be any bottle-neck at this end?

I do not think so.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the unsatisfactory telephone service at Boyle, where callers have to wait hours before getting a connection; and if he will indicate what steps he intends to take to provide a more efficient service for subscribers in that area.

I am aware that there is abnormal delay on calls between Boyle and the South, due to congestion on the Dublin-Sligo lines over which the traffic is mainly routed. Arrangements are being made for the erection, as early as circumstances permit, of additional Dublin-Sligo circuits, which will substantially reduce the delays.

It took me three hours to get through yesterday.