Mr. Pat Galvin:

To reassure the Senator in respect of the organisations he mentioned, separate from this sectoral initiative associated particularly with 116, eircom specifically sponsors freefone numbers for a range of other organisations, including the Irish Cancer Society, Childline, Teen-Line Ireland, the motor neurone society and so forth. It costs approximately €450,000 for eircom alone. Many of the other organisations are catered for through that direct sponsorship. However, it is an interesting point. There is huge demand for these services and the industry and sector we represent is doing everything we can, within reason and within all the other constraints we have, to make as good a contribution as we can.

As to the other point the Senator raised about the engagement, as I said earlier the engagement is entirely constructive and positive. We understand the need for a decision sooner rather than later. What we are committing to the Samaritans today is that the decision will be made in good time to allow the organisation to do its core business, which is helping the people who need assistance.