asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of telephones that have been disconnected in each of the last three years through failure of subscribers to pay their bills; if his Department has received any requests for disconnection since the recent announcement of the 25 per cent increase in charges; and, if so, if he will state the number.

The answer to the first part of the question is 24,097 in 1974, 20,113 in 1975 and 24,554 in 1976. The answer to the second part is 450 approximately; in 10 of these cases it was indicated that the reason for the request was the forthcoming increase in charges.

86.

(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of telephone subscribers who had their service discontinued for failure to pay accounts in the years ended 31st December, 1975 and 1976.

The numbers were 20,113 in 1975 and 24,554 in 1976.

87.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when telephone service will be provided for a person (name supplied) in County Dublin.

It is expected to provide service for the person named during the last quarter of this year.