Does the Minister agree that it is time for a new approach to the whole question of redundancies in relation to the introduction of new automatic exchanges? If he does agree is the time not ripe to devolve more work to the regions where much of the work being conducted in Dublin in relation to accounts and many other areas could be done? With the introduction of computerisation it is only a question of a datalink service. In this way jobs could be preserved in many parts of rural Ireland. I had taken the first step along that road.

I agree totally with the Deputy and I am prepared to accommodate him in every way possible. However, I should like him to put forward something more positive than merely asking whether I agree with him. I assure him that if he wishes to speak to me in any detail about this problem, he will find my door open. I assure him also that any proposal he may put before me will be considered sympathetically and, if found practical, put into operation.

I shall be happy to discuss the matter with the Minister but is he not aware that I had taken the first step along this road by way of a decision to appoint district managers in the various regions in so far as telecommunications were concerned. The intention was then to build a regional structure within that framework so that all the work that needs to be done in a district, including information on accounts and sales, could be done in the region.

I am aware of that step taken by the Deputy but I, too, am particulalry sympathetic to the concept of decentralisation. Since taking over responsibility in this area I have had talks on many occasions, very often into the early hours of the morning, with the unions concerned in an effort to find a way of overcoming the demarcation line and that commonsense might prevail. The Deputy will understand that with both services being separated in 1982 there is a good deal of suspicion on the part of many unions involved that some of their work will be eroded. Therefore, it is not opportune at this time to try to get the agreement of the unions or to expect them to be ambitious about doing something that they would not normally do.

I accept that there are difficulties and I am well aware of the situation so far as the unions are concerned but surely the day of reckoning has come and action must be taken now, not when redundancies have taken place? The Minister should pursue this problem actively with a view to removing the demarcation line. Is it not in the long term interest of all the employees and trade unions concerned that a solution be found?

I can only reassure the Deputy that he is welcome to come and talk with me about this problem. Since my appointment I have had talks with the personnel at a number of exchanges and have put to them the points that the Deputy is putting to me. They know the services that the public need and if they come forward with any reasonable proposal it will be considered. I assure the House that there is deep sympathy on the part of the Department regarding the position obtaining in telephone exchanges. In relation to decentralisation in general I was in contact with the district managers only a week ago and I propose having further discussions with them. If I may be parochial for a moment, I see no reason for people in Donegal having to contact Sligo who in turn contact Dublin about the telephone service in Donegal. That is the procedure under the machinery that has been operated since the foundation of this State.