I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, together.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with the objective of eliminating LoCall 1890 numbers and has requested the allocation of 0761 numbers to help reduce telephony costs and enhance customer service. Currently, my Department operates a switchboard service which is staffed by service officers at reception desks located in each of its main administrative buildings. My Department dispensed with a commercial operator service at one of its locations in 2012 and this resulted in significant savings. In a number of locations where my Department shares buildings with other Departments, switchboard services and the associated costs are shared. Further options, such as those identified by the Deputy, are being explored by my Department on an ongoing basis with a view to reducing telephony costs and achieving greater efficiencies.
With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that management of phone systems is part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.
