asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (a) the number of applicants for telephones in Waterford city and county (b) the average length of waiting time for installation of a telephone for applicants in these areas in respect of applications made in 1979; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are about 270 waiting applicants in Waterford city and about 500 in the county. The average waiting time of applications on the waiting list is about six months in Waterford city and about 17 months in the county.

Would the Minister not agree, that while six months in this day and age seems a long time to wait for a telephone, 17 months is disgraceful? Will he inform me what steps he will take to ensure that in future people living in the rural areas of County Waterford and elsewhere do not have to wait for up to two years on average?

It is my desire that they will not have to wait. I would like to be able to give them telephones on demand. I am sure the Deputy is well aware of the steps which have been taken, are being taken and will be taken to shorten the waiting list as soon as possible. The Deputy must be fully aware of the accelerated development programme that is going on. It is on target and that is the best that can be done. There are no overnight solutions to the problem.

I am not aware of any increased activity in County Waterford in respect of telephones. Would the Minister not agree that if the average waiting time is 17 months there are applicants on the waiting list for three years?

I fully accept from the Deputy that there may well be applicants waiting three years but the Deputy appears to be oblivious of the fact that we were down to six months average time in Waterford city, which is quite good. I might also inform the Deputy that the target set by me for the Waterford district will be met at the end of this year.

Would the Minister not agree that six months is a disgraceful length to be waiting for a telephone in what is supposed to be a progressive economy, which it is not, but that in rural areas, where people have to wait for up to three years before they get a telephone it is a crying shame? Would the Minister indicate to me, specifically, what steps he is taking in County Waterford to speed up the installation of telephones?

I have told the Deputy that the target for Waterford district is being met. The Deputy cannot be oblivious to the fact that considerable progress is being made all around the country, including Waterford city.

Would the Minister contact me in relation to the specific steps he is taking to speed up telephone services in Waterford city and county?

Certainly.