Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2005
163 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the negotiations which have taken place with the telephone companies with regard to giving the free schemes for mobile phones; and when an announcement on this will be made. [13769/05]
View answerI am committed to facilitating greater social welfare client choice of telephone services. In this regard my Department is in contact with the regulator, ComReg, regarding the technical and administrative requirements for mobile phone, as well as land-line services. To date, three mobile phone companies have expressed an interest in participating in the telephone allowance scheme and these companies are in discussion with my Department and the telecommunications regulator.
My Department is carrying out a fundamental review of the current operational arrangements with the various service providers. As part of this review the regulator, interest groups and other relevant entities will be consulted as required. It is expected that this review will be completed within the next couple of months and I will then be in a position to make decisions on the expansion of the telephone allowance scheme to include mobile phones.
