asked the Taoiseach if his Department have paid all outstanding liabilities to Telecom Éireann since 1 January 1984.

Bord Telecom accounts submitted in 1984 have been paid by my Department where the accounts were in order for payment. Some items are under query with the board at the moment.

Would the Taoiseach indicate the amount of money paid to Bord Telecom for telephone services and the amount disputed at this stage?

The first question is a separate one and I am unable to answer it. The amount in dispute is £55,000.

Would the Taoiseach confirm that he owes Bord Telecom the sum of £55,000?

No, I cannot because the Bill involved includes a certain number of unexplained miscellaneous charges, some going back a number of years which have only now been identified and we are in touch with Bord Telecom about these. I am sure the Deputy is familiar with this process.

I am very familiar with the process but does the Taoiseach think he is giving a good example to the consumer because at present Bord Telecom are owed £26 million from the public and he is contributing to their debts? The Taoiseach is giving a very poor example.

We want to know what the charges are for. In accordance with the practice which is adopted by individuals when faced with charges which they think are not justified, we have paid our rental while disputing the rest of the charge.