Terence Flanagan
Question:129. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1659/16]
View answerThursday, 14 January 2016
Questions (129)
Written answers
In response to the Deputy's question 1890 numbers were introduced with the intention of reducing call costs for members of the public to Government agencies. At that time they were implemented by a large number of public bodies. Primarily people used landlines to contact agencies and these calls were charged at local rates. Mobile phone usage became more prevalent and mobile and fixed operators did not include 1890 numbers in the bundles offered to customers so any included minutes that were available on a package could not be used to make these calls.
In 2011 my Department reached an agreement with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to assign a specific block of 076 numbers for public service use. The 076 number range is designated as a non-geographic landline service where calls are charged as a national number from landlines and mobiles.
My Department also developed the Government networks infrastructure to accept and deliver 076 numbers anywhere in the country. An advisory note was issued to all public bodies advising them to move to 076 numbers as soon as possible. The charges associated with the use of 1890 numbers and the potential savings with 076 numbers which would benefit both customers and public bodies were outlined.
Delivery of an effective and quality customer service is a priority for my Department and there are guidelines on my Department's website that provide details of the cheapest way of contacting my Department from anywhere in the country.