Telecommunications Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2010

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Questions (347)

Leo Varadkar

Question:

393 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department operates any number utilising the lo-call designation, 1890; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that use of this number can impose additional costs on mobile phone users; if he will ensure that where such numbers are advertised in the press, online or in literature that this additional cost is noted, and that a standard geographic phone number is also given; if this is not currently done, if he will ensure that this will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41235/10]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department operates numbers utilising the Lo-Call designation 1890 and has noted that the rates charged for 1890 (Lo-call) numbers may vary among different service providers. In many of its advertisements standard geographic phone numbers are used in addition to the Lo-call designations. My Department will ensure as far as possible that all of its advertisements will continue to provide this information.