asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the plans the Government have to mark the designation of 1983 as World Communications Year by the United Nations.

In keeping with the terms of the United Nations resolution proclaiming 1983 as World Communications Year, a committee has been established to initiate and co-ordinate various activities and programmes in the communications field.

The committee include representatives from the telecommunications industry in Ireland as well as representatives from the National Board of Science and Technology, Bord Telecom and my Department and may be extended to include representatives from the news media.

The precise programme of events has not yet been determined but in accordance with the general international guidelines issued it is expected to concentrate primarily on publicising the importance and development of communications in this country.

Is it the intention to introduce any new sophisticated telephone bugging device to mark World Communications Year?

I expect that would be a matter not only for another Department but for another party.