Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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89. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a physical phone directory is still available to persons who request one; and if not, the provision made for access offline. [34934/21]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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In May 2020, ComReg issued a decision whereby eir was no longer required to publish a printed telephone directory.Eir had previously been designated by ComReg to do so under the Universal Service Regulations, 2011 (Electronic Communications). The designation required eir to provide printed directories on demand rather than mass printing and production. This obligation ceased on 31 December 2019.

I understand that the decision was based on ComReg’s view that the obligation to continue to provide printed directories could not be justified in light of the alternative methods available for the sourcing of phone numbers, in particular the availability of an online directory of subscribers service (currently provided commercially by eir) and taking into account the low level of demand for the printed phonebook directory in 2019.

ComReg has also moved to ensure that the accessible directory enquiries service can be availed of by disabled-end-users who cannot access an online directory because of a disability. If a member of the public is unable to use the online phonebook due to an accessibility requirement, they can register for free directory enquires service by dialing 196. ComReg will continue to monitor and evaluate the online service provided by eir at: www.eirphonebook.ie