Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his extremely comprehensive response and welcome his statement that he will consider opening the telephone line for a longer period. My office has to my knowledge explored the e-mail facility available to Oireachtas Members. I will check with my office staff as to precisely what satisfaction they have had from the service. In most cases involving the INIS, however, Members need to speak to a person. It is highly frustrating for staff members who contact the service by telephone to be continuously informed that no one is available to speak to them. I will continue to monitor the position.

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