asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of general dissatisfaction with the present computer system of processing telephone accounts; and the remedial steps he intends taking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Accounts.
34.
I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the existing system. Only pant of the work of producing telephone accounts is at present done by computer, and most of the complaints that are received concern other aspects of the accounts. It is hoped that a fully computerised system which is in course of development will be introduced next year and that it will give greater satisfaction generally.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary inform the Minister that the computerised accounting system is causing general dissatisfaction? In the Mid-Cork constituency I have had several complaints regarding the actual charges in relation to what the individuals concerned think they should be charged. In view of this, would the Parliamentary Secretary ask the Minister to devise some form of arbitration whereby these disputes could be settled instead of resorting to an apparatus?
I would point out that most of the mistakes that take place are not due to the computerised system. Part of the accounting is done by the computer but the vast majority of complaints are in regard to the part of the accounts that are not computerised.
I am mainly talking about overcharging. The people making the complaints say they are being charged for far more calls than they are making and they have kept accounts themselves of their calls.
The complaints are due to faulty meters.