asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when telephone subscribers at Kiltulla, Athenry, County Galway, can expect an automatic telephone service.

, Dublin South-Central): Kiltulla telephone exchange is not included in current automatisation programmes and it is not possible therefore to give a reliable estimate of the conversion date at this stage.

5.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will have a public telephone provided at St. Fursey's Terrace, Blackrock, County Louth; and if Louth County Council will underwrite any possible losses from its operation.

(Dublin South-Central): The use likely to be made of a kiosk at the place mentioned would not be sufficient to justify its provision.

The latter part of the question is a matter for the County Council. My Department has not received any request from them in this regard.

6.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will supply telephone users with a meter which would allow them to monitor local calls; and the exact position with regard to any such service presently available.

(Dublin South-Central): Call meters are fitted as an integral part of each auomatic telephone exchange. It is not the practice of telephone administrators to fit meters in subscribers' premises as well, except on request as extra rentable items. Meters of a certain type were provided on this basis for subscribers until early last year. An improved type then being developed by the manufacturers was expected to be available in a short time but the development period has proved rather protracted and the latest information is that supplies will be available late this year. Requests for the meters will then be met as quickly as possible.

Is there a further charge for people who wish to have those meters?

(Dublin South-Central): There is an extra charge.

Would the Minister consider the position whereby it is not possible at present to distinguish between local calls and direct dial trunk calls? Would he agree that this could cause particular difficulties for people who have to try to budget in relation to the very high cost of the telephone services generally? Would he not agree to consider the possibility of installing in places such as those I have mentioned a meter free of charge to people who want to be able to account on a day-to-day basis for their expenditure?

(Dublin South-Central): It would not be possible to instal meters to every subscriber in the country.

I did not ask that.

(Dublin South-Central): What particular subscriber has the Deputy in mind?

I am talking particularly about elderly people who are trying to watch the pennies and trying to ensure that they do not overspend.

(Dublin South-Central): Does the Deputy mean to differentiate between the local calls and the trunk calls?

Yes.

(Dublin South-Central): This equipment is very expensive. The Deputy can rest assured it would be impossible to do this.

Why exactly is it not possible?

(Dublin South-Central): It is not possible from the cost point of view.

A hardship is being imposed on people and this matter should be looked at.