Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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64. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if steps are being taken to ensure that persons on low fixed incomes can access essential communication services such as mobile phone and internet given the sharp increase in the costs of living and to ensure that they can fully participate in the economy and society. [28296/22]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Providing electronic communication services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. While as Minister, I do not have statutory authority to influence the prices set by the commercial companies concerned, I understand, that competition in the market at retail level is resulting in mobile phone and broadband packages currently being available to users at a monthly cost of €15 to €20 for mobile and €30 to €35 for broadband. The Deputy will also be aware that the Department of Social Protection offers a telephone support allowance to people who are in receipt of certain qualifying payments and both the Living Alone Allowance and Fuel Allowance. Further details can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/4d2773-telephone-support-allowance/.