Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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150. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if detailed consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence by a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47266/21]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I am aware of phone customers in Ireland recently experiencing an escalated level of nuisance scam calls and smishing and that they can cause considerable distress and anxiety, in addition to causing some customers to incur additional charges.

It is not possible, from a telecoms point of view, to assess the level of scam call activity or to quantify it with any accuracy. While operators may notice an upsurge in traffic or change in patterns of traffic, this might not be related to scam calls.

While I understand that it is not possible to identify scam call numbers in advance, which can resemble normal, familiar geographical or international numbers encountered on a daily basis, the Regulator has published information for consumers in relation to this issue, at www.comreg.ie/consumer-information/mobile-phone/scam-calls-2/. This provides advice urging vigilance at all times on the part of consumers and listing suggestions for the proactive steps to be taken by those receiving scam calls, and in particular, advising people not to answer, or to call back any number which they do not recognise or where there is a bland or no voicemail left.  The notice also provides a phone number for consumers to contact and the Regulator also offers a text call back service and other facilities to assist consumers.  

I understand that An Garda Siochána has also raised public awareness to warn phone users on the need to remain continually alert with respect to calls and text messages

Unfortunately, there is no immediate technical or (telecoms) legislative solution to scam calls, or smishing. I understand  that industry operators are actively analysing the position at network level and the matter continues to be monitored by the Regulator.

The advice to the public remains focussed on the importance of being vigilant.