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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 1984

Vol. 352 No. 5

Written Answers. - Telephone Systems.

88.

asked the Minister for Communications if An Post has applied to him for a licence under section 111 (2) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, to install PABX telephone systems; and if so, his decision regarding the application.

89.

asked the Minister for Communications if he will make a statement to the House on the duplication in the provision of telephone appliances by Bord Telecom Éireann and An Post.

From 1 January 1984 a licence is required under section 111(2) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, for the supply, installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment for the public for connection to the national telecommunications network. Licences in respect of PABX systems have been granted, with effect from 1 January 1984, to Bord Telecom Éireann and to 22 other firms which have been engaged in that business since before that date.

An application was received from An Post for a licence in respect of the proposed supply, installation and maintenance of business communications systems which the company envisages would include the supply of PABX systems in certain instances, at least. I am not satisfied that a licence should be granted on the basis sought. However, as An Post's application stems from its legitimate concern about the impact of electronic mail on conventional mail, I have arranged discussions with An Post and Bord Telecom Éireann about the matter of electronic mail. These discussions are continuing and, as the Deputies will appreciate, I must await the outcome before making a final decision on the application.

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