asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the new telephone exchange in Dunboyne, County Meath was completed; when the equipment was installed; if the exchange is yet in operation; if not, why; and the number of additional telephone lines that can be provided in Dunboyne when the exchange comes into full operation.

The new exchange building was finished in July 1976. Installation and testing of equipment was completed in October 1977. Extensive cableworks were necessary to bring the exchange into service and these were completed in October 1980. The bringing of the exchange into service has been further delayed pending the completion of certain building adaption works requested by the staff. The new exchange will increase the existing exchange capacity from 600 subscribers lines to 2,000.

Would the Minister not agree that it is an absolute disgrace that an exchange completed in July 1976 is not yet in operation?

No. We had to take into account facilities for staff working in this district. We have completed negotiations with the IPOEU. It is only right to have proper facilities for the staff.

I agree with that, but why are adaptation works now being requested by the staff? Why were they not incorporated in the original design of the exchange and implemented in October 1977? The exchange was completed in 1976.

It was not completed in 1976.

In July 1976.

No. In October 1977.

That is when the equipment was put in.

There was a problem regarding visibility from the equipment room.

Why was that not foreseen by the well-paid architects employed by the Department to do this kind of work? Is the Minister aware that there is a backlog of people waiting for telephones in Dunboyne? There is a bad service there because the exchange has not been brought into operation although it was completed in 1976.

There are 137 applicants waiting at present, 17 were offered service in 1980 and as soon as possible service will be offered to the others.

Why were these problems not foreseen?

They were not foreseen.

Why?

It was members of the IPOEU who brought up the matter.

Why?

The Deputy had better ask them.

These are employees of the Minister's Department. It is money spent by his Department. If an exchange on which his Department spent money in 1976 is not in operation in 1981 the Minister should be asking questions and should have a more serious attitude towards the matter.

I respect the employees and their opinions and it is high time Fine Gael respected them too.

Waffle. Keep to the point of the question.

In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I wish to raise this matter on the adjournment.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

29.