asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when he expects an automatic telephone service to be provided for subscribers in the Rathdowney, Borris-in-Ossory and Birr areas of Laois-Offaly.

Conversion of the exchanges in question to automatic working is dependent on prior installation of a new automatic trunk switching exchange in Portlaoise. The Commissioners of Public Works hope to place a contract for provision of the accommodation at the former Irish Worsted Mills premises and to have the work completed within 12 months. Conversion of the three exchanges to automatic working would be completed in a further two years or so.