Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the sentiment about the decrease in roaming charges. It is very important, particularly for those of us in the Border region. We have struggled along for some time to try to have an all-island approach to mobile telephone call and text charges. I welcome the fact that roaming charges are being reduced. Internationally, it will have an importance, not only for business people who have to travel and for holidaymakers. However, there is still more to do. I am obliged to change my telephone over to the Northern coverage network when I travel from here to my home. I have no choice. Nonetheless, if I buy a package with my current operator that gives me 200, 500 or 750 minutes, or 200 texts, and if I use my telephone during the time I am in the North such use is not included as part of the package. There are still issues in respect of all-island approaches to telephones and mobile telephones that must be addressed. I challenge the telecom operators to be the first to lead the way rather than continue what they have been doing, namely, trying to maximise the fact that the Irish use their telephones without questioning this situation. It links into the issue raised yesterday about consumer advice. We must challenge the operators and move to the cheaper provider.

I welcome the introduction of the ban on tobacco advertising. I was convenor of the Joint Committee on Health and Children when we produced the report that led to the ban on smoking in public places. This new ban will not affect current smokers but is intended to try to stop the subliminal messages that are passed on to young people. Every day 15 people would have to begin smoking to replace the 15 who die from smoking-related illnesses in Ireland. This is a great initiative and I welcome it.