(Dublin Central) and Mr. Gallagher asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the dissatisfaction and unrest due to poor work conditions and facilities amongst telephonist at the telephone exchange in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; and if he has any plans to initiate much needed improvements.

I am aware that telephonists in Ballinrobe are dissatisfied with the accommodation and staff facilities in the telephone exchange there. The Department have been trying for some time to acquire a suitable site on which to erect a new manual exchange to replace the existing one which is too small, as well as to meet some other needs. Acquisition of the origional site selected was held up because of protracted legal difficulties which have not yet been resolved. When it became evident last year that it could still take a long time to clear the legal formalities in relation to this it was decided to get an alternative site for the manual exchange building. Negotiations for the leasing of this site have recently been completed. Work on the provision of the new exchange building on this site is now in hands and will be pressed ahead as quickly as possible. Meantime, the Department are examining the possibility of providing welfare facilities in rented acommodation close to the exchange and of improving the position for the staff in any other way possible.

(Dublin Central): Could the Minister give any indication when this new building will be completed and the facilities available?

The new exchange will be ready for occupation about the end of this year but every effort will be made to have it available before then.

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