(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of telephones disconnected for the non-payment of accounts during the years 1974 and 1975.

The numbers were 24,097 in 1974 and 20,113 in 1975.

(Dublin Central): Can the Minister give any idea of how many of these phones have been reconnected?

I am afraid I would not have that figure. I will furnish it to the Deputy if he so desires.

(Dublin Central): Can the Minister give an indication if the trend is that there has been an increase in disconnections in the two years after 1972-1973?

I do not have a figure for the previous two years but the trend has been down between 1974 and 1975. The number disconnected in 1974 was 24,097 and in 1975, 20,113.

What is the appropriate fee for reconnection?

The fee payable during 1974 and 1975 for reconnection of a telephone after suspension of service arising from non-payment of an account was 37.5p. That fee had obtained for many years. It was increased to £2 from 1st January, 1976.