asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of new telephones installed in each of the three months ended 31 March, 30 June and 30 September 1979 and 31 March, 30 June and 30 September 1980.

The following is the information requested: Quarter ended 31 March 1979, 9,848; Quarter ended 30 June 1979, 3,508; Quarter ended 30 September 1979, 9,300; Quarter ended 31 March 1980, 13,340; Quarter ended 30 June 1980, 15,266; Quarter ended 30 September 1980, 16,135.

This makes a total for the first three-quarters of 1979 of 22,656, and for the three-quarters ending 30 September 1980 of 44,741.

Congratulations.

How many of them are working?

All of them. I am surprised the question was asked.

21.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is expected that proper telephone and telex services will be provided for a company (details supplied) in County Meath, where the jobs of the employees are in danger because of the lack of a working communications service.

Service has been restored.

May I ask the Minister the date of his information that the service had been restored?

14 October.

According to my information the service broke down again last week and consequently employment there is in jeopardy.

I am not aware that the service has broken down but if it has the Department are aware of it. As I have said, the Department have particular problems in that isolated area because of the overhead cable which has been giving problems. It is proposed to instal an underground polythene cable. Of course the problem cannot be solved overnight. We know of its existence and we are looking after it.