Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount that has been spent by Departments on Lo-call numbers over the past five years; the number of Departments that make available a regular non-1850 or 1890 number (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14428/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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My Department will provide information in relation to the amount spent on Lo-call numbers by this Department. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

My Department is aware that calls to Lo-call numbers from mobile phones do impose additional costs. My Department does operate one Lo-call number. However, this number is accompanied in advertisements by standard geographic numbers for all services operated by my Department. While the advertisements do not highlight the cost differential at present, it is intended that future advertisements will include this warning.

My Department has advised all other bodies of this cost differential and has advised them of the need to provide standard geographic numbers where possible when advertising Lo-call numbers.