Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011
315 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures in place to protect personal information such as ex-directory phone numbers and mobile numbers from cold callers carrying out polls and sales and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28476/11]
View answerIssues concerning unsolicited communications for direct marketing purposes are a matter for the Data Protection Commissioner. I understand there is an opt-in and opt-out system in place to permit or prohibit direct marketing telephone calls. In the case of ex-directory landlines and all mobile phones, direct marketing calls are not permissible unless individual customers opt to receive such calls. In the case of telephone numbers for landlines, which are included in the national telephone directory database, customers can opt not to receive direct marketing calls by so advising their service provider.
Further information in relation to this matter, including the investigation of any offences, is available on the website of the Data Protection Commissioner (www.dataprotection.ie) or by contacting the Data Protection Commissioner, Canal House, Station Road, Portarlington, County Laois, phone 057-8684800 or LoCall 1890 252 231.
