James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason for the communication problems at the vehicle registration office in Tullamore, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9856/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the question from the Deputy is not specific in relation to dates and times during which the difficulty was experienced. However, apart from a power cut in the Tullamore office on 5 February 2008 during which all the telephone lines were down from midday to close of business, I am advised that there are no ongoing difficulties with regard to telephone communications in the operation of the Vehicle Registration Office in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The office deals with all Vehicle Registration Tax matters, including personal and telephone callers for the Westmeath / Offaly District. In addition, some callers and telephone queries emanate and are dealt with from Counties Longford, Roscommon, Galway and Laois customers.

The office is staffed by six officers including a full-time telephone receptionist. The office includes a busy public area, which deals with personal callers five days a week from 9am to 4pm (including lunchtime). Telephone callers are dealt with from 9am to 5pm daily (again including lunchtime). I am advised that staff take telephone calls from customers right through the day. In view of the presence of a full-time receptionist, voicemail facilities in the office are not considered necessary.

If the Deputy has more specific information about the communication problems experienced, he may wish to take the matter up directly with the District Manager, Mr Ciarán Toohey, who can be contacted at 090 6421860.