Jim O'Keeffe
Question:40 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on an approach in relation to telephone charges which will lead to a flat rate local call charge for the entire country. [22789/97]
Written Answers. - Local Call Charge.
The matter referred to in the Deputy's question is a day to day matter for Telecom Éireann and, as such, one in which I have no function.
Charges for calls, including any possible changes in local call charging, are to be determined by Telecom Éireann within the parameters of the Telecommunications Tariff Regulation Order which was made on 16 December 1996, in accordance with section 7 of the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996.
Nevertheless, I continue to interest myself in the issue of telephone charges and I am anxious to see continued reductions in such charges. The extent of existing competition in the market is already leading to reductions in prices for some telecommunications services. Continued movement towards full liberalisation will result in more choice for users of telecommunications services and will mean further decreases in prices. This is good news for all telecommunications customers. I am anxious to see price reductions continue and I will continue to encourage Telecom Éireann in this regard.