asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the near impossibility of contacting his office, the secretariat of his office and the central records, benefits, occupational injuries and pay-related social insurance sections of his Department by telephone, he will arrange for the provision of additional telephone lines to these sections.

Mayo West): In March 1981 additional lines were made available in Áras Mhic Dhiarmada and in June 1981 Gandon House Public Office was opened. Both of these measures relieved pressure on the switchboard in Áras Mhic Dhiarmada. At present there are 78 incoming lines to that office. The high level of unemployment and of claimants generally has placed increased pressure on the telephone system and I am aware that there can be difficulty at times in contacting particular sections in the headquarters of my Department. The problem has been under examination in consultation with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and surveys carried out by that Department show that there has been an improvement in the position in recent times. I am however pursuing the matter urgently to see what further facilities can be provided and how these can best be used to give a better service.