asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will have a telephone kiosk erected at the Mills, Ballyvourney, Macroom, County Cork.

Provision of a kiosk at the Mills, Ballyvourney, Macroom, County Cork, is not warranted at present.

52.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the estimated number of outstanding telephone applications in the State at the latest available date.

53.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of telephone applications outstanding in the greater Dublin area at the latest available date.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together. There were over 21,000 applications for telephones awaiting attention at the end of February, 1972, including about 12,000 in the (Dublin) 01 area. Over 6,000 of these, including 3,000 in the 01 area, were either in course of provision or were scheduled for provision within two months or so.

Has the Minister got separate figures for the 01 area which covers Wicklow?

I have not them with me. If the Deputy wants them I can supply them.

54.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that there are many applications for telephone connections in the Tower area, County Cork; and what plans his Department have to deal with them.

There are eight applications for telephones awaiting attention in the Tower area, County Cork. Arrangements have already been made to attend to two of these. It is expected that service will be provided for the remaining applicants during the summer and autumn.

55.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction of telephone subscribers due to the frequent cutting out during telephone calls both at trunk and local call levels.

Apart from any interruptions due to the power cuts, I am not aware of widespread trouble of the kind mentioned. If the Deputy will let me have particulars of such interruptions affecting any area or areas, I shall have the matter investigated.

I have had repeated complaints given to me by subscribers that they are cut off in the middle of telephone conversations without any reason whatsoever. This applies even to Dáil telephones. It is continuously happening.

Even up here it happens very often.

I know something has been going wrong with the telephone system within the House but I do not think that is the responsibility of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. I think that should be taken up with the people who run this House.

That does not answer my question. My question relates to the ordinary telephones outside. It is repeatedly happening to me on trunk calls. I am frequently cut off. I have also had complaints from many people about this. There is something seriously wrong with the telephone service. I suggest, with respect to the Minister, that he should investigate the whole matter.

If the Deputy will let me have particulars of any breakdowns I will have them investigated for him.

It is inadequate equipment.