Vol. 460 No. 7
61 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the background to the discussions between his Department and ESAT regarding the use of an auto-dialler; and the action, if any, he is taking on the matter. [2042/96]
ESAT Telecom holds a licence under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, as amended, to provide telecommunications services that do not infringe the exclusive statutory privilege of Telecom Éireann with regard to the provision of voice telephony as defined in the EU Telecommunications Services Directive and in national legislation.
Discussions took place between ESAT and my Department concerning whether the use of auto-dialler devices by the company, in connection with the provision of its voice services, is consistent with the terms of its licence. This is a complicated business both technically and legally and I am giving the matter detailed consideration before reaching a final conclusion on the best course of action.
