asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the telephone service in the Summerhill area of County Meath is again in an appalling condition; and if he will give the matter immediate attention.

I am aware that despite close maintenance attention the standard of telephone service in the Summerhill area is not satisfactory. The difficulties stem from problems with the aerial cable between Summerhill and Kilcock carrying the circuits to Dublin. To get over these problems it is proposed to re-route the Summerhill-Dublin trunk circuits via Enfield within the next two months or so when a new under-ground cable between Enfield and Dublin is in operation. This should give a much improved service at Summerhill.

Is the Minister aware that about 12 months ago I brought to the notice of his Minister that although seven lines were installed in the Summerhill area — an additional four to the three lines already there — at any time no more than three lines were in operation and that in the period in question none was in operation? Does he know that in the past three or four months the position has got even worse, if that is possible? There are a number of industries in the area. Can he give a guarantee that the work which he has mentioned in his answer will be carried out in two months' time?

Yes.

Unfortunately, the Minister will not be here to say whether it has been carried out.

I believe the Deputy should be rather careful himself.

2.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of telephones which were installed over the last two years and the number which it is expected will be installed in 1981 in the following areas: (a) Blackrock and Ballintemple, (b) Ballinlough and Douglas, (c) Bishopstown, (d) Model Farm Road and (e) Turners Cross, Ballyphehane, Togher, the Lough area, Glasheen, Evergreen area, Wilton, Ballincollig, Ovens area, Carrigaline, Passage West, Crosshaven and Ballygarvan.

Records are not maintained in a form that would enable the precise information sought to be provided without disproportionate expenditure of staff and time. Information on the lines sought in respect of the telephone exchanges serving the areas mentioned is however available. The following is the information.

Is the Minister in a position to give an assurance that all the telephone instruments that will be installed will actually be connected to lines?

Absolutely.

3.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of applicants for telephone service in the Cork area; and how soon they can expect to have service provided.

There are about 3,700 waiting applicants in the Cork city area. Service is dependent mainly on the provision of cabling. An extensive cabling programme is in hands in the city at present and service will be provided progressively over the next two years or so to these applicants as cabling work is completed in each locality.

Will the Minister give an indication of the number of telephones to be installed in the Cork district in 1981?

I do not have specific information but I think it is 11,000. Last year we installed 8,500 telephones.

Deputy Wyse is obviously on the wrong side of Fianna Fáil.

It is more than the Coalition Government installed in their period of office.

4.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when an automatic telephone service will be provided for Killygordon, County Donegal.

It is hoped to provide automatic service at Killygordon by the end of the year.