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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schedule of Telephone Charges.

Michael Noonan

Question:

2 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether there will be a review of the schedule of telephone charges announced recently by him on behalf of Bord Telecom and of the date nominated for the coming into effect of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I refer the Deputy to my speech to the House on Tuesday last week when I stated the Government had "decided to establish a telephone users advisory group to provide independent monitoring of the operation of the new tariff, its effect on the different categories of customers and report to me on its deliberations.

I also advised that the telephone users' advisory group would report on any particular issues which may arise and that, if the flow of revenue from the new charges exceeded the projected budget, I would expect Telecom to come forward with new proposals for further reductions.

I have no proposals to amend the schedule of charges at this stage or to alter the date on which they will take effect.

(Limerick East): Is the Minister aware that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, the Minister of State at the Department of Social Welfare and the chairman of the Labour Party indicated that there will be a review of the schedule of charges which the Minister announced? Will he confirm the veracity of these statements? Is there an ambiguity between the position adopted by the Minister and that of his colleagues in Government?

I wish to dispel any ambiguity which the Deputy feels exists in relation to this issue. The motions put down in the Dáil and Seanad in my name last week and this week, referred to the establishment of a telephone users' advisory group to monitor the charges and to determine their effect. That presupposes the introduction of the charges. The Government made a decision in relation to this matter for the reasons I indicated and which I do not intend to repeat here. These charges will be implemented on 1 September and the advisory group will report to me on any particular difficulties that may arise.

(Limerick East): Will the Minister agree that the statements by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, two of his Ministers and the chairman of his party are simply political flimflam to avoid controversy within his party?

The Minister will recall that the main justification of the rescheduling was to reduce the cost of international charges. Will the Minister confirm that an Irish company called E-SAT indicated to his Department that it will take the Department to the European Court arising from its failure to implement EC Directive 93/88 which makes it mandatory to allow private competition with Telecom? In refusing to comply with this directive, the Department is in breach of European law.

I think the Deputy will accept that is a separate question. If he puts down a question on that matter I will give him a full and informed reply. On the Deputy's earlier question, I am monitoring the position. The principle behind the decision is in the long term interests of Telecom Éireann and the consumer.

(Limerick East): Is the Minister aware that a private Irish company which could compete with Telecom Éireann on international calls under the terms of EC Directive 93/88 has indicated by way of solicitor's letter to his Department that it is prepared to take the issue to the European Court?

If the Deputy puts down a separate question on that matter I will answer it in full.

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