Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is important to put on the record that the scale of the problem has not been properly reflected in the figures that have been made public. Last night, for example, RTÉ reflected on the number of complaints that ComReg dealt with, which was 1,062 over a three-month period. It also had a number of other queries. In fact, only a fraction of the people who have problems and issues with these providers ever go to ComReg. Earlier today, Eir told us it deals with the massive number of 230,000 calls a month. We know the frustration of a significant percentage of these people is related to the decrease in the number of call centre staff and the delay in getting a response. We should be frank regarding the scale of the problem. It is not reflected in the ComReg figures, with the greatest of respect to the commission. The Minister is correct that we should say loud and clear from here with regard to Eir that people should be encouraged to use the 1800 number instead of the 1901 number because this can make a difference.

With regard to the his responsibility and the role of ComReg to enforce the code of practice, at present the code of practice is not a deterrent. It is essentially a voluntary scheme and the slap on the wrist amounts to nothing, perhaps a €5,000 fine for a company such as Eir that makes profits of €222 million. ComReg wants and needs more power. It is looking for it and the Government has committed to this in the programme for Government. When will we see the legislation?

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