asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the rapidly increasing population in the Lisduggan/Lismore Park area of Waterford, he will consider establishing a sub-post office in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The necessity for additional post office facilities in Lisduggan/Lismore Park has been kept under review in the light of recent development there. I am having the present position specially examined and I will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as possible. In the meantime, post office facilities are available from two sub-offices just over a mile from the area.

I take it the Minister is aware of the rapid growth in population, and if he is to establish a sub-post office there, will he ensure that there will be a proper telephone service to the public and a posting box?

In view of the fact that the sub-post office is under investigation, is there any possibility that in the meantime a public telephone kiosk could be put in the area?

That seems to be a separate question.

Last week when another Minister was replying for the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs he said the reason there were no telephone kiosks being put into the area was that there was no post office there.

It is a separate question in that consideration is at present being given to the provision of a sub-post office in the area, which is what Deputy Collins was looking for, and the question of a kiosk arises later.

Could the Minister indicate when he will be in a position to give a decision in relation to the sub-post office?

I am having it examined urgently and I hope to be able to make a decision quite soon.