asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why certain telephones (details supplied) in the Abbeyleix district, County Laois, among others, were left out of order and unrepaired from 28th December, 1976, until 10th January, 1977; why remedial action was not taken more speedily to rectify the breakdowns; and if credit in the rental charge will be given to the affected subscribers.

Service to the telephones in question was interrupted by damage to aerial cables. Restoration of service required considerable work including replacement of sections of the cables involved. Rebates of rental will be allowed to the subscribers concerned.