asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when an automatic telephone service will be provided for the Ballinamult area, County Waterford.

: Early next year.

: Could the Minister give the reason why there was such a long delay?

: There was no undue delay. Like every other place, service will be provided as soon as possible.

: Surely the Minister is not serious when he gives that type of reply. There has been a long delay in this case and a commitment was given a long time ago——

: A question please, Deputy.

: ——which has not been honoured. Why do we have to wait until next year for a service which was ready last year? What difficulties arose in the provision of this service?

: I am giving the Deputy a commitment that the service will be provided next year.

: Is the Minister saying no difficulties were encountered as regards the provision of this service?

: Considerable difficulties have been experienced in providing the Ballinamult building. Completion was expected in 1979 but the contractors did not hand over the building until January 1981.

: First the Minister said there was no delay involved in the provision of this service but he has now admitted there was. Perhaps now he will answer my supplementary. What caused the delay and what length of time was involved?

: Completion of the building was expected in 1979 but it was not completed until January 1981.

: Why was the building not finished by the given date? What happened?

: These were golden years when Deputy Fahey's party were in power.

: I have no explanation.

: These were the good times and we are supposed to be on our knees praying to get back to them.