Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Would the Leader consider holding an emergency debate on the discontinuation of Smart Telecom's business with the loss of 400 jobs and the disconnection of 40,000 householders and consumers? They can receive calls but, as of last night, cannot make calls. I support the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, who called on Eircom to extend the time within which the service would be available to consumers and to protect their rights and interests in this regard because it will take them some time to shop around and connect to another server. Eircom took a very rigid decision last night which has caused grave concern to 40,000 consumers, many of whom run small businesses and need the telephone for their livelihood. I reiterate the Minister's call to Eircom to continue the service until the liquidation of Smart Telecom can be resolved in the courts and to protect the jobs of its 400 employees.