asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give urgent reconsideration to the need for a telephone kiosk at Pearse Brothers Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin.

A kiosk is not considered to be warranted at present but the matter is being kept under review in the light of housing development in the area.

Is the Minister aware that there is expected to be considerable housing development quite close to Pearse Brothers Park? Will he tell me, for the interest of all Members, if the question of availability of Kiosks is the only one he takes into account when deciding matters of this kind?

Generally speaking, it is; but we look at the general situation in the area. A new housing scheme of about 70 houses has commenced and further housing is contemplated. The case for a kiosk will be reviewed as the housing project develops.

Surely the Minister must accept that there is on him a social responsibility to provide telephone services, especially in areas such as this that are being built up and where an emergency may develop which calls for the immediate use of a telephone? The provision of this service should not depend on whether or not the kiosk will make a profit. It is a social service which obviously should be provided.

This is an argument.

Surely the Minister is aware of that?

The Minister is no doubt aware of the aphorism "Ní h-é lá na gaoithe lá na scolb"?

There is a kiosk 800 yards away on Ballyboden Road and there is a coin box in a post office 700 yards away.

27.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will have a telephone installed in a public kiosk at Liscooly, County Donegal.

A kiosk in this area would have no prospect of being used sufficiently to justify its provision.