Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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182. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department's helpline telephone number to validate a public service card is a 1890 number, which, despite being called a low-cost number, can result in high call charges to customers, depending on the service provider; whether she will take steps to resolve this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5696/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Lo-call numbers have been in operation for the Department’s scheme areas for a number of years. These have been coupled with Interactive Voice Response technology to facilitate customers making quick contact with the appropriate section of the Department at a low cost to the caller.

While 1890 numbers provide a cheaper means of communication for those who do not have free calls on landlines, it is acknowledged that they can, on occasion, be more expensive when called from a mobile. Accordingly, the Departments’ website alerts the public to the fact that lo-call numbers can attract different tariffs depending on the operator of the phone service.

The Department is currently reviewing the use of lo-call telephone services which may not be available on certain telephone plans, with a view to improving access and associated costs for the public. The review is at an early stage.