asked the Minister for Communications if he will consider the inclusion of representatives of consumers on the boards of Telecom Éireann and An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are at present no vacancies on the boards of these two companies. Apart from the employee directors none of the other directors is appointed in a representative capacity. No doubt all the directors are consumers of the postal and telecommunications services.

A lot of the members of the board have been appointed. In view of the fact that Telecom Éireann and An Post have a very large number of customers, surely they should have representation on the board?

Most of the appointments to these boards are not due for renewal until 1991 and none of the directors of Telecom Éireann or An Post was appointed by me or by this Government. I will take into account the point made by the Deputy.