Telecommunications Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2010

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Ceisteanna (211)

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

256 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if his Department operates any number utilising the Lo-Call designation, 1890; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that use of this number can impose additional costs on mobile phone users; if he will ensure that where such numbers are advertised in the press, on-line or in literature that this additional cost is noted, and that a standard geographic phone number is also given; if this is not currently done, if he will ensure that this will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41249/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

My Department operates a number of Lo-Call numbers. It is in general the practice of the Department to publish both Lo-Call and standard landline contact information together thus enabling callers to use whichever number is appropriate based on their individual contractual arrangements with mobile telephony providers. Given the variety and rapid changing nature of such contractual arrangements, I do not believe that it is appropriate to place the warning mentioned by the Deputy.