asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement outlining the progress of Messrs. Smurfit and Quinn in relation to postal and telephone services since their appointments.

As stated in the press release issued on 30 October 1979 announcing the appointments of the interim boards for posts and telecommunications of which Messrs. Quinn and Smurfit are chairmen, the boards will participate in the arrangements to reorganise the two services as separate State-sponsored bodies, formulate comprehensive and integrated plans for development of the services and develop the management structures needed to exploit the new freedoms and opportunities which the reorganisation will provide. The boards, which have been in existence for less than four months, have been engaged primarily in familiarising themselves with the two services and examining the problems and opportunities they offer. As a first step towards developing new management structures, both boards have advertised for chief executives.

When is it expected that these interim boards will report back?

I cannot give the precise forecast.

A rough estimate?

I would not like to give a rough estimate. As it materialises I will inform the Deputy.

Question No. 32 is being taken as written.