asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the large backlog of applications for telephones in the Midleton area of County Cork, the shortage of equipment and the unsatisfactory condition generally of the telephone service in the area; and the plans, if any, he has to improve the position in the near future.

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes".

In advance of provision of a new exchange at Midleton—for which a building and equipment have been ordered—arrangements have been made to provide interim relief by installing a mobile automatic exchange which it is hoped to bring into service within the next two months. This temporary exchange will enable telephones to be provided for a substantial number of waiting applicants and should improve the standard of service.

129.

andMr. Daly asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the proposals, if any, he has for the provision of a public telephone kiosk at Inagh, County Clare.

The receipts from the existing public telephone in the post office at Inagh are too low to warrant favourable consideration of the provision of a kiosk in the vicinity.

130.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when a telephone will be installed for an applicant (details supplied) in County Wicklow who received an acknowledgement dated 6th December, 1972, from his Department.

It is expected that service will be provided for the applicant named during the third quarter of this year. Earlier attention is not practicable owing to shortage of equipment at Valleymount automatic exchange.