asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why an applicant for a telephone (name supplied) was required to pay a deposit of £10.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Application Deposit.
20.
Mr. Ryan
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether it is the policy of his Department to require a deposit of £10 for the installation of telephones from non-nationals, including British citizens, who reside here with their families in property owned by them; and whether the authorities in Britain require a like deposit from Irish citizens permanently residing there.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together. All new subscribers pay a deposit against call fees. The amount of the deposit and the time of payment—either in advance or as a charge in the first account—depend on the circumstances of the particular case. Many non-nationals and some nationals would be required to pay an advance deposit of £10 as in the instance referred to by the Deputy.
The deposits we collect are reviewable as to amount in the light of experience and, in any event, are repaid when the agreement for telephone service terminates. As regards the British Post Office, I understand that they, in common with many other telephone administrations, charge all new subscribers a connection fee of up to £10 which is not refundable but I have no information about their practice concerning deposits.
Do you charge everyone a deposit?
Yes, a minimum of 30/-.
You do not charge the deposit until they get in the telephone?
It is normally included in the first account.