asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of applications for telephones in each of the past five years; the number of new connections in each of those years; the total money at present held on deposit in respect of these applications; and when it is expected that the present waiting list will be cleared.

(Dublin South-Central): There were about 41,000 applications for telephones in 1973, 39,000 in 1974, 37,000 in 1975, 36,000 in 1976 and 31,000 to end September, 1977.

I regret that information regarding the total money at present held on deposit is not available. However, my Department's records show that on 21st October, 1977, approximately £840,000 was held in respect of money paid in advance by applicants covering connection charges, advance rentals and deposits, but this figure includes amounts paid by applicants who have been provided with service during the previous few months and for whom accounting records have not yet been set up.

It is expected that half of the present waiting list will be cleared within the next 12 months and the remainder progressively over the following two years.