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Senator Mark Daly:  I ask that the Leader take up with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the issue of Eircom’s provision of services to users in Kerry. In the 1970s, the Black Valley was famously the final area of the country to obtain access to electricity supplies. Mr. Tim O’Connor who lives in the Gap of Dunloe is seeking to have his telephone connected and was sent a bill for €29,000. To be fair to Eircom, the connection fee is only €107. However, the company decided to charge him €29,226.65——

Senator Kieran Phelan: The Senator should buy him a mobile phone.

Senator Mark Daly:  Senator Kieran Phelan does not live in an area surrounded by mountains. Anyone who has ever visited the Black Valley will be aware that the mountains which surround the Gap of Dunloe are quite high.

It beggars belief that Eircom would give someone who lives only a hop, skip and jump away from other users in the area a quote of €29,226 in respect of a connection to telephone services, particularly when one considers that many people are of the view that access to such services is a basic right.

In cases of emergency, it is particularly relevant that such services are available. Will the Leader pursue this matter with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to discover whether anything can be done with regard to this outrageous bill?