asked the Minister for Health if the National Health Council will have an immediate inquiry made into the health of subpostmasters who are providing a 168 hour service per week.

Such an inquiry would not come within the scope of the National Health Council functions.

Even, however, if the Council had such functions, it would in my opinion be ludicrous to ask the members to devote their time to an investigation of this sort having regard to the facts. It is only in post offices in which there is a telephone exchange to which more than twenty subscribers are connected that continuous service is required and the subpostmaster is not obliged to provide the service on a personal basis throughout.

Is the Minister aware that a number of subpostmasters throughout the country have to work a minimum of 168 hours per week in poky, little offices? Does he consider that this is right or proper from a health point of view, and, if not, will he take immediate steps to ensure it does not recur?

I am not responsible for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

The Minister is responsible for the health of these employees.

I think individuals are responsible for looking after their own health. What I did say was that I do not know whether or not they work in poky offices, but I know they are not compelled to be on duty personally for 168 hours a week.

With the salary they are being paid they are compelled to work for the 168 hours. They could not possibly employ anyone.

Why did Deputy O'Donnell not do something about it?

If Deputy O'Donnell had been left there, he would have. He did a fair amount for the short time he was there.

The Deputy is blazing at the wrong army.

We will have a blast at another one in a short time.

Deputy Ó Briain, má tá Gaeilge agat labhair í.