asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will continue to answer parliamentary questions in relation to postal and telecommunications matters after the vesting date of Bord Telecom Éireann and An Post.

After vesting, I will, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House, answer questions which relate to postal and telecommunications policy matters. The day-to-day operations of the two companies will be matters for the respective boards.

Do I take it that after 1 January 1984 we will not have the pleasure — if it could be considered a pleasure — of having the Minister of State to answer questions? I must remark that he is not answering questions today. Will the Minister of State be replying to questions about telephone accounts and the postal service?

We will be dealing with policy and the board will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the companies.