asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the average delay in having a new telephone installed in applicants' private houses in Waterford city; the reasons for the delay; when these delays will be eliminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Dublin South-Central): I regret that the precise information sought by the Deputy is not readily available but the following is indicative of the length of time it takes to get service in Waterford city. Everyone who applied for a telephone there prior to August 1977 either has service or will have service within about a month or so.

The reason for the delay in installing telephones in Waterford city and elsewhere is that the Department's resources of manpower, plant and buildings are not yet adequate to overtake arrears and cope with current demand. The development plan prepared in connection with the Telephone Capital Act, 1977 which provides for investment of a further £350 million in the telephone service should go a long way towards eliminating delays experienced at present.

Could the Minister indicate when the new telephone exchange in Waterford will be completed?

That is a separate question.

The Minister referred to it in his reply.

(Dublin South-Central): I am afraid I have not that particular information with me.

Is the Minister aware, in view of the present situation, that there are likely to be long delays in telephone installations in Waterford in the future?

(Dublin South-Central): No.

If the Minister does not know how soon the new exchange will be built how serious will the situation be in the next two or three years?

(Dublin South-Central): I indicated in my reply that any telephone application received in my Department before August 1977 will be installed within a month or so. I do not think that is a bad service.

I may have misunderstood the Minister. In the course of his reply did he not say that the lack of a new telephone exchange is limiting the number of telephone installations? If this is the case now, how serious will the position be in two or three years' time?

(Dublin South-Central): When I mentioned that, it was in general terms with regard to the whole country. It does not apply to Waterford, which seems to have an excellent service at the moment with regard to installations.

Is the Minister aware that there is need for a new telephone exchange?

(Dublin South-Central): Yes. I am not concealing that.

Question No. 23 postponed.