asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is anticipated that telephones will be available on demand to telephone applicants in the Dublin area.

It is possible at present to meet on demand about one-third of the applications received in Dublin. It is expected that this proportion will increase gradually until about the end of 1984 by which time it should be possible to meet applications generally in this way.

Can the Minister confirm that telephone applicants living in the Dublin south area generally stretching from Kilmacud to Stillorgan, Dundrum, Ballyboden, Ballinteer, Rathfarnham and Firhouse in County Dublin, will have telephones made available to them on request, on demand, no later than the end of 1984? Further, can he confirm that all outstanding telephone applicants in those areas will be provided with a telephone service no later than the end of 1984?

It is hoped that that will be the position, but the Deputy is aware that, due possibly to abnormal weather conditions and the fact that we have a strike on at the moment by one of the suppliers, the development programme in Dublin may be delayed, as may be the case in the rest of the country also. One cannot anticipate exactly what the situation will be at the end of 1984, but what I have stated is the aim.

Is the Minister aware that a large number of telephone applicants within the area I have referred to have been awaiting supply of telephones for between three and five years? Can he confirm that at the very least their applications will be met? Also, can be advise the House as to the exact nature of the strike taking place and its impact?

I will be dealing with the strike in reply to a question later.