Vol. 509 No. 5
98 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the adequacy of telephone access for people who want to raise a query in relation to area aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20826/99]
There are a total of 60 telephone lines dedicated to incoming callers to the area aid division of my Department. A call centre which has been installed at that location has proved very effective in the overall management and monitoring of the telephone system for that division.
Each of the five sections in that division has been assigned separate lo-call numbers which have been widely advertised. Callers using these numbers are charged at the local call rate for the duration of the calls. Unfortunately, last week there were technical difficulties with this system in the section dealing with Donegal. These have now been resolved and normal service is restored. There is also an adequate number of outgoing telephone lines from this division thereby enabling staff to contact customers and clients quickly.
