asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (a) whether it is intended to extend the system of numbered postal districts over the entire area of County Dublin; and (b) if not, the reason.

: It is proposed to extend the Dublin District numbering scheme to include further areas of County Dublin within the next few months, and when development in other expanding areas reaches the point where definitive district boundaries can be established for them they will be incorporated in the numbering scheme. There would, however, be no advantage in extending the scheme to purely rural areas. Dún Laoghaire Borough and parts of County Dublin are served by Dún Laoghaire Head Post Office district. The advantage or otherwise of these being included in the system of numbered postal districts is being considered.

: Can the Minister of State tell the House approximately how many new postal districts he envisages in the Dublin area?

: I think it is about three.

: Three more?

: Yes.