Telecommunications Services.

Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Ceisteanna (334)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

383 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals for the future of the 999 emergency service; the manner in which he will retain the existing expertise of those working in the service; the status of current employees in view of the fact that they were former civil servants; the options open to them in the event of the service moving out of Dublin and if they do not wish to move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11100/06]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The provision of a proper and effective emergency call answering service is a priority for me. I have recently obtained a Government decision, which provides for the preparation of legislation to regulate the provision of the service and to prepare a tender for the identification of a new undertaking, which will take over the provision of the service. The Department will be assisted by an interdepartmental committee made up of the representatives of the emergency services and consultants who will manage the process of identification of a new undertaking and the transition of the service to the new undertaking. I understand that there are discussions within Eircom in relation to employees working in the area.