Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied). [35259/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding bill collection and billing by operators, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with its functions under the Communications Regulation Act 2002.

Eircom has indicated to ComReg that it is in ongoing discussions with An Post on issues arising from the over-the-counter payment service available at post offices, which resulted in Eircom introducing a minimum €20 payment for transactions using this service. Eircom has pointed out to ComReg that it continues to offer its customers facilities to pay bills by agreed instalments at levels below the minimum €20 payment imposed on over-the-counter service. The alternative payment options include An Post's Household Budget scheme, retail outlets nationwide which operate the Payzone, Paypoint or Postpoint schemes and payments by electronic means. Eircom has advised ComReg that it will notify these alternatives to its customers.

In the case of O2, the company which has commenced an online billing trial, I understand that ComReg advised O2 that it has serious reservations about the proposal to arbitrarily switch consumers to this new online billing service and discussions are ongoing. ComReg advises O2 customers that they are entitled to receive a paper bill as standard and that they may do so by simply contacting O2 on 1909 to request this service.