asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the proposals in his Department for the appointment of district managers in all districts; and the proposals he has for the local collection of accounts.

5.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is implementing the decision to appoint district telecommunication managers; and if these appointments have been made.

6.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is pursuing the policy of a new district structure for telecommunications by devolving more responsibility and work on the districts.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together.

Proposals for improved management and organisation of work in the telecommunications service involving the appointment of district managers and the devolution to districts of more work and responsibility, including certain telephone accounting functions, have been formulated and these are being discussed with the various staff interests under the scheme of conciliation and arbitration.

The interviews for the appointment of district managers have been held. Why has no one been appointed since then?

This matter has been under consideration for the last seven or eight years. The scheme has the goodwill of the Department and the full approval of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs and myself. The staff generally accept all the conditions, but there is disagreement about the details and discussions are continuing. There can be no satisfactory conclusion until the staff concerned agree on the details of the scheme.

Can the Minister inform me when he expects to have those details completed so that this worthwhile scheme can be put into effect? Can the Minister give a date when he expects to start the collection of accounts at local level in the districts under the jurisdiction of the district managers?

I cannot. The Deputy will appreciate that when trade unions are discussing the finer details of an agreement nothing can happen until agreement is reached. It would be wrong for me to give the Deputy any date in advance of that.

Does the Minister expect it will be within one year?

At the rate at which we have been settling strikes and disputes since we came to office, I imagine it will be much less than a year.

May I hold the Minister to one year?

Would the Deputy like to give me notice of that question?

No, I am asking a question.