asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is intended to have an automatic exchange in Gort, County Galway.

(Cavan): In the latter half of 1979.

Two years ago I put down a question in connection with Woodford, Gort and Loughrea and I was informed that Loughrea would become automatic, which it did. According to that answer I understood that Gort would become automatic in 1978.

(Cavan): It is anticipated that Gort will become automatic in the latter half of 1979. The building to house the automatic equipment was recently completed. Provision of additional trunk lines will be required for automatic working. Installation of the automatic equipment will be carried out within a programme covering numbers of other rural exchanges throughout the country. It is estimated that the necessary trunk circuits to serve Gort will be provided and the installation work completed before the end of 1979.

Arrangements are being made in Gort at the moment for the installation of a mobile exchange and the people of Gort are afraid that that will be substituted for an automatic exchange. Can I take it that that is not so?

(Cavan): Yes. Representations from the Deputy and from others have expressed concern that the arrangements made to relieve the present pressure on the exchange would result in a delay in the conversion. I can assure the Deputy that any interim changes in manual working arrangements will not have adverse affects on the conversion forecast.

Would the Minister consult with the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs to try to have the automation introduced before the end of 1979 if possible?

(Cavan): I certainly will, but I would be less than candid, speaking from my brief, if I were to hold out much hope of the exchange being converted to an automatic exchange before mid-1979.