Has the method of communication within the Minister's Department improved, particularly in relation to telephone communications?

We went into that earlier when the Deputy was not here. It has not improved other than that my office is working round the clock answering queries from the public and from Deputies. We had hoped that the phones would be restored from 1 May but we were informed by the union concerned that due to a grade claim, which is a civil service grade claim not directly to do with social welfare, this would not be done until this matter was resolved.

Will the Minister give us a number at which we can get an answer?

I will give the numbers of my own office subsequently at which the Deputy will get very good service.

The number 786444 does not answer.

It does but it can only come through to my office in the present circumstances where there is a limited number of phones.

Is the Minister saying that his private office can handle all the queries?

The Deputy is aware of industrial relations and it would be better to leave it until the matter is resolved.

How many lines are at the Minister's number?

There are 44 lines.

Are they all operating?

All the lines are operating but there is no-one at the other end except in my office where there are four lines together with the ones that Deputies would use.

In the event of that number being engaged is there an alternative number which can be rung?

No, there are only the numbers at my office or the numbers which can come through the switch to my office. They are going from early morning to night. Of course written queries are received every day in the post and are dealt with immediately.