Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Broughan for his acknowledgement we have taken a step forward in respect of the matter to which amendment No. 10 relates.

I do not disagree with Members regarding the levels of service that are sometimes given by telecommunications companies. I take on board Deputy Broughan's point that when customers contact companies they are transferred from Billy to Jack. Such behaviour is not acceptable. This matter should perhaps be raised more frequently with the National Consumer Agency. I will take it up with the telecommunications companies, one or two of which are worse than others. My Department raised this matter on previous occasions. I also intend to bring it to the attention of ComReg because this is an area which should be monitored. People are entitled to a service. However, they are also entitled to be treated with a level of civility when that service does not reach the required standard.

We have discussed these amendments in some detail and provision is made in the Bill in respect of the matters to which they relate. For that reason, I cannot accept them.

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