Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 4

Written Answers. - Telephone Charges.

Austin Currie

Question:

204 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the steps he intends to take to ensure that any changes in telephone charging will not adversely affect (i) the disadvantaged, the sick, the old, the handicapped and the lonely and (ii) organisations which represent these people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

One of the major reasons I rejected Telecom's original proposals was my concern that the disadvantaged might be adversely affected by the proposed changes.

I am mindful of the problem referred to by the Deputy and I have ensured that an overall reduction of 8 per cent has taken place in the national telephone bill. This means that £48 million in savings will be passed on to the consumer.

I should point out that local calls will be charged at 1 unit per 15 minute interval for weekday peak times and that less than 3 per cent of calls will be affected. All other local calls, including weekends and public holidays will be charged at 1 unit per 30 minute interval with less than 2 per cent of calls being affected. When considered against the reduction in trunk call charges and the expansion of the local call areas the vast majority of subscribers should experience a significant reduction in bills.

With regard to charitable organisations, a number of these avail of the Freefone 1800 service. This service is tariffed independently of the ordinary telephone service and the introduction of local call timing has no effect on the charges.