asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory telephone service in the Macroom area, County Cork, and the resulting severe hindrance to the commercial, industrial and social life of the area; and if he will indicate when an automatic telephone exchange will be installed.

(Dublin South-Central): I am aware that more trunk circuits need to be provided to improve the trunk service in the Macroom area. A co-axial cable which will provide the necessary relief is on order and is expected to be in service in the second half of next year.

It is expected that Macroom exchange will be converted to automatic working in the second half of 1981.