asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why the evening postal collection in the Nobber, Kilmainhamwood and Kingscourt area, County Westmeath, has been brought forward by one hour; and if he is aware of the hardship this causes to the business and professional people in that area.

The earlier collection of mails in the area in question was introduced to permit of an improvement in the working conditions of the staff at Ceanannus Mór Post Office. The revised hours of collection—at about five p.m.—are regarded as providing a reasonable service.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the post does not leave Ceanannus Mór until 11 o'clock at night, and is there any reason why the collection should have been brought forward by one hour?

Actually it is Kells he is talking about.

We have to call it Ceanannus Mór.

There is a reason. As I said in my reply, the reason for bringing forward the time was in order to improve the working conditions of the staff. There has been a very long spread-out of mail work in that office extending from 4.30 up to 10.45 p.m. at night. The rearrangement was in order to allow for the five-day week and for improved conditions for the staff. With the closure of the sub-offices in this area at 5.30, I do not think bringing forward the posting time by a little less than an hour has created too great an inconvenience for people.