I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 13, 24 and 26 together.
In August 1990 Telecom Éireann submitted proposals for a revised tariff system for certain telephone charges. Since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for communications, I have spent some time studying Telecom's proposals.
As Deputies will be aware it is not the practice to give details of proposals from State bodies to Government Departments. However, I am prepared to indicate the broad areas covered by the proposals. They include: reducing some truck call charges, reducing cellular phone charges, reducing the local unitcall fee, introduction of local call timing, expansion of provincial local call areas and changes in operator and pay phone charges.
Deputies will be aware of my view that Telecom charges are too high and must come down, and for that reason I am engaged in a very thorough examination of the proposals. I am not convinced of the appropriateness of certain aspects of the proposals. I hope to complete my examination of the proposals quickly and I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the proposals in a few weeks.