asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state whether any decision has been reached regarding the request of Monaghan Urban Council for two sub-post offices in the town and to have a slot machine for the sale of stamps erected outside the main office; and, if so, the nature of the decision.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that there is constant overcrowding in Monaghan post office; and, if so, whether he will establish two sub-post offices in the town and, in addition, provide a slot machine for the sale of stamps outside the main office in order to relieve the congestion and public inconvenience in this regard.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.

The request for the establishment of two sub-offices at Monaghan has been fully examined and I am satisfied that the opening of sub-offices would not be warranted. To relieve congestion at the head office, however, it is proposed to improve the public facilities there without avoidable delay.

In the meantime, I am arranging for the installation of two stamp-vending machines.