asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why a letter (details supplied) posted in Clifden, County Galway on 1st April, 1974, was not delivered until 14th May.

The letter in question should have been delivered on 2nd April, 1974. I am sorry that the inquiries which have been possible have not revealed a satisfactory explanation of the altogether excessive delay in delivery which occurred. I should like to express to the Deputy my regret for any trouble and inconvenience caused him as a result of the delay.

7.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when a letter posted in Dungarvan post office, County Waterford prior to the final collection time for letters to areas outside the county arrives in the GPO in Dublin; and the time the letter is delivered to an address in Dublin city centre.

A letter posted at Dungarvan in time for the night mail despatch arrives at the Central Sorting Office, Dublin, at 4.00 a.m. next day and is due for delivery in the city centre between 7.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. that day, except at weekends when delivery is held over until Monday morning.

Would the Minister be surprised to hear that letters posted at the time given do not reach Leinster House until 3 p.m.?

I am prepared to communicate with the Deputy on this and all other matters at all times.

He will be lucky.

It all depends on which side of the House one sits.