Vol. 517 No. 6
109 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the sections of the Department which restrict the time available to take calls from the public; the length of time this has been ongoing; the nature of the restrictions; the proposals, if any, he has to remedy this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10749/00]
My Department does not have any restrictions on receiving calls from the public. The main switchboard is manned continuously from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. In addition, all phones are equipped with direct dial inwards and voicemail facilities. All sections are staffed from 9.15 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. with the usual break for lunch. A number of divisions provide cover outside this time by the operation of a flexitime system.
