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.