Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department operates any number utilising the lo-call designation, 1890; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that use of this number can impose additional costs on mobile telephone users; if he will ensure that where such numbers are advertised in the press, on-line or in literature that this additional cost is noted, and that a standard geographic telephone number is also given; if this is not currently done, if he will ensure that this will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41241/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department operates an 1890 telephone number which provides access to its main offices, as well as standard geographic telephone numbers for all offices.

My Department is aware that differences apply to the cost of the Lo-Call designated telephone numbers depending on a caller's service provider. It has been working with the Quality Customer Service Officers Network convened by the Transforming Public Services Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach to determine the best approach to ensure members of the public are aware that variations in charges apply so that they may avail of the lowest cost call rates. Arising from these discussions, my Department has already taken action to ensure that where the Department's 1890 telephone number is advertised on its main website www.environ.ie , and on a number of other departmental websites, customers are informed that the rates charged for calling 1890 numbers may vary among different service providers. Customers are advised to check with their telephone provider to determine whether or not they can avail of low rates on Lo-Call numbers. The Department's alternative geographic landline telephone numbers are also available to customers in these circumstances.

My Department is currently reviewing arrangements to ensure that information is included in all literature and publications providing contact details for the Department (including telephone directories) and on any other websites where the Department's Lo-Call number is advertised, and to ensure that a standard geographic landline telephone number is provided in such instances.