asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the continuing grave inconvenience caused in the Ninemilehouse district. County Tipperary, by the unsatisfactory nature of the present telephone service there; whether his enquiries into the complaints made have been completed; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the service.

I am aware that delay to telephone calls has been occurring in the Ninemilehouse area. Recently an additional trunk outlet was provided at Windgap Exchange to which Ninemilehouse exchange is connected, and this should result in an improvement in the position. Further steps to improve the service are under examination.

On what date was the improvement brought about at Windgap?

About a month ago.