Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his Department have discussed with Eircom its decision to introduce a €20 minimum for the payment of bills in post offices; if he will make representations to Eircom to reverse this decision in view of the hardship it will cause to many who make small but regular payments in their post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37895/10]

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, as amended.

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his Department have discussed with a company (details supplied) its decision to unilaterally transfer all their customers to electronic billing, requiring persons to opt out and revert to the former standard bill pay arrangements, in view of the inconvenience this will cause to many persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37896/10]

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, as amended.

I understand that ComReg advised O2 that it has serious reservations about the decision by O2 to switch consumers to this new online billing service. Discussions between ComReg and O2 are continuing. I understand from ComReg that O2 customers 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.