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Safety Hazards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Questions (50, 51, 52, 53, 54)

Seán Crowe

Question:

32 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the circumstances under which a company (details supplied) is withdrawing its services from many areas of the Dublin South West constituency, including the Templeogue and Tallaght regions. [25579/04]

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Dan Neville

Question:

35 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the circumstances surrounding a recent health scare arising from telecommunication and television installations in a number of households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25766/04]

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Michael Noonan

Question:

41 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the circumstances surrounding the discontinuation of telephone service to a number of subscribers arising from a suspected health issue; if there are wider implications for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25768/04]

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Arthur Morgan

Question:

49 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a fire which occurred in a Dublin house in August 2004 is suspected to have been caused by a fault in the telephone system of a company (details supplied). [25581/04]

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Pat Rabbitte

Question:

82 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he requested or received a report from ComReg on the circumstances in which up to 2,000 households in the Dublin 24 and 6W areas were warned by a company (details supplied) that their phone connections constituted a potential safety hazard and who subsequently had their service withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25647/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 35, 41, 49 and 82 together.

I have no function in the matters raised by the Deputies. These are matters for the Commission for Communications Regulations, ComReg. ComReg has statutory independence in the exercise of its functions.

Responsibility for the protection and promotion of consumer interests for electronic communications networks and services and the integrity of the network rests with ComReg under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users Rights) Regulation, SI 308 of 2003.

ComReg is mandated to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers and to investigate complaints from consumers regarding the supply of, and access to, electronic communications services, networks and associated facilities. ComReg understands that the company is concerned that the equipment which it installed in customers' homes may, in certain circumstances, constitute a potential safety hazard through overheating. The company is required to protect its consumers and it must immediately offer an alternative provider and without exposing them to additional costs associated with such a transfer.

I understand that ComReg has met the company and instructed it to take immediate steps to minimise the impact of the interruption of its customers' telephone service in addition to considering issues concerning the equipment. Specific issues which ComReg has immediately required of the company include: establishing a dedicated freephone telephone number so that affected customers can obtain information on the issue and be provided with advice and assistance in restoring telephone service; discussing with other telephone service providers the possibility of similar facilities for affected customers; establishing call forwarding-call divert facilities so that customers can continue to receive incoming calls made using the existing number; and meeting the direct costs of the above which customers would otherwise have to pay. I understand that ComReg will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the company in question complies with its obligations.

Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
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