Vol. 444 No. 6
169 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether it has yet been determined to apply a charge on facilities provided to holders of licences for the provision of value-added tele communications services designed to help meet the public service obligations contained in section 87 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act, 1983; if so, the amount of such charge; and the reason licences were issued before this charge was determined.
No charge as described by the Deputy has been decided upon although I am keeping the possibility of allowing such a charge under consideration. I am anxious that there should be an equitable sharing of the public service obligations imposed on Telecom Éireann and I have sought the views of the company in the matter.
The need for such a charge arises only where Telecom Éireann's ability to meet the public service obligation envisaged in section 87 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act, 1983, is adversely affected by competition. It was not felt that a "public service" related charge was appropriate when the existing value added service licences were issued.
