Vol. 442 No. 7
30 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to change the law so that telephone users who feel they are being discriminated against have a better opportunity to give expression to that sense of discrimination and to secure redress therefor.
I am somewhat at a loss to understand what form of discrimination is being referred to by the Deputy. If the Deputy has any specific cases in mind I will have the matter examined on receipt of details of the alleged discrimination. I have no immediate plans to introduce legislation in the telecommunications area or any amendment to the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983. The House will be aware that there is certain protection available to customers of Telecom Éireann from the Office of the Ombudsman. The House will also be aware that preparations are being made in my Department to introduce a separate and independent regulatory authority. The question of structure, remit and possible need for legislation is being considered and I am open to consider any specific suggestions the Deputy might wish to make.
