Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

591. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the use of 1850 numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39953/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) manages and administers the National Numbering Scheme which lists all numbers and codes that are available for use on public telecommunications networks. ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, has established a variety of access code types, in accordance with international norms, including:

- geographic numbering where charges are incurred by the caller at a local or national rate;

- 1850 numbers which share the costs between the caller and the service provider at a fixed rate when called from a fixed line number, and

- 1890 numbers which share the costs between the caller and the service provider having regard to the duration of the call when called from a fixed line number.

While I cannot compel public bodies to use or display any particular telephone access codes in preference to alternative codes available, I would draw the Deputy's attention to arrangements in my Department which operates an 1890 lo-call option for users contacting my Department from fixed line numbers and a standard 01-6782000 access code which allows mobile phone users to contact my Department at the standard rate charged by their service provider or within their bundled minutes package.

I understand that ComReg is currently reviewing the use of the 1850 number together with four other classes of non-geographic-numbers in Ireland: ‘1800’, ‘1890’, ‘0818’ and ‘076’.  The purpose of the review is to gather and analyse information that will allow it to substantiate, or otherwise, concerns regarding the use of non-geographic numbers at the retail level.  The review will also take into account the requirement to ensure that these classes of numbers are used in a manner which promotes competition and protects consumers.

I understand that ComReg intends to publish a Consultation document in Q1 2017, which will set out the findings from the review and, where regulatory issues have been identified, may include a range of regulatory options designed to improve the functioning of non-geographic numbers for consumers.