Why do the "Disabled and Housebound" not have subsidised internet access - NOW??.

Paddy20

People who are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Allowance,etc. Are in a true democracy entitled to discounts on most services. I mean I even have a free BUS PASS!!, which is of little use as I am not fit to travel, but I can "surf the net" and I want a special discounted rate - as of right - yours,paddy20

Bard

Unlike transport and health services, the Internet is not an essential service.

If you want it, pay for it.

Should the disabled also be entitled to discounts with record stores?... cable TV companies?... video rental?... McDonald's?

Boston

eircom is a private company, the goverment has no right to tell it what retail products it provides and at what price

Bard

Originally posted by Boston
eircom is a private company, the goverment has no right to tell it what retail products it provides and at what price

You've missed the point, Boston.

He's not asking for the Government to force anyone to do anything. He's asking for them to subsidise Internet access for the disabled.

Pimp

why not the unemployed, single mothers, low paid, small business....did i leave anyone out?
Oh yeah...why not me as well.

Bard

oh yeah, and while they're at it, why don't the government subsidise a 4 bedroom townhouse in Malahide for those who work unsociable casual hours like me?

Paddy20

I suppose the fact that my telephone rental cost is paid for by the state is because it is "NOT" regarded as essential. Maybe the tax etc that I paid over 30 years working - does not entitle me to benefit now that I am one of a minority. I suppose we should go back to the days of - Dog eat Dog. Where only the fit survive. I can not possibly agree with your argument?- Remember never underestimate the power of the "Individual" yours, paddy20. Think again all you sceptics and incoherent idiots - Long live the human spirit and the will to fight injustice??.

Boston

a telephone is essential, making calls isnt not in every case, that is why they dont pay all phonecharges.

BuffyBot

Originally posted by paddy20
Because I still have not had a proper logical reply or explanation as to why Eircom have not been told by Government that the "Disabled" have a right to a special reduced internet access call charge or discounted rate??. Do you comprehend!! - The point being if the "disabled" receive a concession, then it opens the door legally for all to have a "fair rate" internet charge i.e. about Euros 25.00 per month - for unlimited access, sounds about right? O.K. Yours, paddy20:cool:

IMHO:

No one group has a right to reduced internet access - unlike public transport, telephones for the disabled/elderly it isn't really an essential service.

The government cannot tell Eircom to provide a service to any person or group. They are now a private company. Any "social services" they provide now would be on a contract they have accepted from the government, not because they have been instructed.

Everyone deserves a flat rate internet connection...that is more to the point.

Paddy20

Re:" A telephone is essential"- My goodness, maybe progress is being made! - Is ordering my food online essential, Is communicating with others essential, Is LIVING essential or should I go back to living in a cave on a hillside the only way to go . Try living alone in a house - looking at four walls and then tell me that using "the internet" at a reasonable cost is not an essential requirement - for the disabled & housebound. No wonder this Country stumbles from one political scandal to another - we seem to be populated by citizens who love to be conned and robbed by their own?, maybe its a psychological throwback to 800 years of British colonial enslavement. A lot of our citizens got used to not having to "THINK" for themselves, yours,paddy20

Boston

listen im sorry for you, but there are people here that need the internet just to put food on the table for their families. and thats not considered essential

Sand

I voted not entitled for the reasons listed above, namely that its not a vital service. Unless you can prove it is I fail to see why the government should subsidise your use of what is basically a luxury.

Dustaz

I voted yes, for exactly the reasons listed above.

Boston, Paddys point is that the people who use the internet to put food on the table for thier families can go and get another job if they want.
If someone is housebound 24/7 then i wouldnt object to a subsidy for internet access for them.

BuffyBot

Originally posted by Dustaz

If someone is housebound 24/7 then i wouldnt object to a subsidy for internet access for them.

devils advocate moment here:

People coped with this and worse for a long time without the internet.

The advent of online shopping doesn't mean we should subsidise the net because it's become "essential" - it's not. It wasn't before, and I'm unsure if the argument stands now.

My personal view: everyone deserves cheap access, not just certain groups. As someone earlier pointed out, where does one draw the line?

Originally posted by Paddy20

maybe its a psychological throwback to 800 years of British colonial enslavement. A lot of our citizens got used to not having to "THINK" for themselves

A bit of an over reaction to people disagreeing perhaps?

Boston

Originally posted by Dustaz
I voted yes, for exactly the reasons listed above.

Boston, Paddys point is that the people who use the internet to put food on the table for thier families can go and get another job if they want.
If someone is housebound 24/7 then i wouldnt object to a subsidy for internet access for them.

why because they are bored? what if someones favourite pass time is pornos, would you allso be in favour of goverment funded pornos?

This is not a case of spitfullness, give one solid reason why its needed more over the next guy, (not just needed)

dromoland

I believe the poll should also include carers. That's what I do. I'm virtually totally tied to the family home caring for an very ill and invalid mother.

My only choice of outlets has to be tv, reading and of course staying in touch with the world through the internet.

I save the state a fortune by not putting my mother into one of the dreadful state nursing homes. (I couldn't afford a private one)

So I think I should be entitled to a discount.

What do you people think.

Dromoland

Paddy20

Hello Dromoland, Thank you for replying with a very "valid" point. As someone who is a full time "Carer" I understand your position and the responsibility you have "voluntarily" taken on out of your natural sense of duty to your Mother. As you probably already know "Carers" are entitled to -carers allowance - a free telephone rental allowance and a "free" electricity allowance, from the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs DSCFA. As you stated - you should also "Qualify" for a "free" or reduced charge "internet access scheme" but as yet? no such scheme exists!!, and - Carers - would certainly qualify. You would have my vote - for starters, as you do save the state a fortune by looking after your Mother at home, instead of dumping her in to a hell hole as so often happens these days. God Bless you, and good luck in the future, yours, paddy20. P.S. If by the grace of God I am given the strength. I will campaign until I drop for reduced internet charges for those who "NEED" them...

SkepticOne

I too am a carer, looking after my father who is 93, though it is a role I have only recently taken on. I've been interested in the issue of Internet access before that.

I do think that Internet access should be subsidised for people with disabilities because I realise that their need is 10 times that of mine. I can still get out of the house and and travel about the city for certain periods of time and my brother can fill-in for me if I need to get away for a couple of days.

But being at home most of the time has made me realise how important internet can be.

So I'm quite happy to vote yes on this specific issue.

But I also think that the reasons that Internet access is so expensive here needs to be examined. Right now, even after any subsidy has been paid, Internet access would still be expensive for those on social allowances. That is why I'm a supporter of IrelandOffline which is about better and more competitive Internet access for everyone.

m1ke

The idea of the internet is that services will be made available directly to the people, and in their homes.

Even the government are getting involved launching this err "e-government" stuff, no matter how much bull**** they talk it's relevant. Tasks like online banking, online government services, conducting business/shopping and correspondance online is vital and important to people with with disabilities and these people in my opinion should definitely be subsidised since we live in a caring society where we all contribute our bit.

Some of the opinions expressed by certain people seem quite sickening and spiteful to me actually, dismissing any disabled person looking to conduct part of their lives online with a subsidised internet connection as being cheap/spongers undeserving of a valid benefit.

The fact is it is "vital" and should be recognised as such.

dahamsta

I think the reason this topic gets confused is that most IrelandOffline supporters believe that everyone should have affordable Internet access, and that subsidised Internet access for the disabled/housebound is a completely separate issue.

adan

m1ke

would you not agree the two issues share a lot of common ground. This discussion board seems like a good place to discuss the issue no ? it seems to me like it's another reason why our government is letting us down in the internet connections / price area in general.

Nice to see we're representing small businesses, domestic users etc... but **** the disabled, sponging bastards. /end sarcasm

dahamsta

would you not agree the two issues share a lot of common ground.

Did I say they didn't?

This discussion board seems like a good place to discuss the issue no ?

Did I say people shouldn't?

What I took issue with was Paddy20's decision to repost his question and poll. If you read my response /the last time/ Paddy20 posted, you'll see that I agree with him.

In my last post, I was trying to explain why some posters may appear to have odd opinions on this. It's a complicated issue. Again, I agree that disabled/housebound people should have subsidised Internet access, however I think we're doing our bit by campaigning to bring the cost of Internet access down for /everyone/.

adam

m1ke

but you're still saying it's something that ireland offline wouldn't touch off odd.

SkepticOne

Originally posted by m1ke
but you're still saying it's something that ireland offline wouldn't touch off odd.

I think it would confuse the message that IrelandOffline is trying to make about Internet access generally. There are many different groups who could benefit greatly from better access - anyone who works from home, for example. The issue of subsidies for specific groups would be better dealt with by those specific organisations representing those groups, IMHO. That should not be regarded as meaning that we don't care about people with disabilities. If you are trying to make a case for the general improvement of Internet access you need to stick to that, IMHO. Personally, I think there should be subsidies but I believe it is separate issue.

dahamsta

What SkepticOne said.

adam

dromoland

Thanks Paddy for your support earlier on. Yes I did give up employment to care for my mother and I do receive the Carers Allowance. But it's tough managing on small money and I am indeed tied to the house as my 84 year old mother needs fairly constant care and I don't have any family living locally to support me.

I don't want to go on and I'm not moaning as I don't regret for one minute what I took on which was only possible because my family had grown up.

But there must be a fair share of people like me who maintain their sanity through been able to keep in touch with their hobbies, interests, etc via the internet.

I have paid my taxes and am currently saving the taxpayer money through what I do.

Sadly I have to more than watch every minute I spend on the net, and I really appreciate what irelandoffline are doing in the campaign to bring affordable internet access to Ireland.

I've never sponged in my life and I certainly wouldn't feel guilty now in accepting a reduced internet charges if it were ever offered.

Thanks for the poll and this excellent discussion.

Regards, dromoland

Manic

I worked for a long time paying PAYE at full rate until i was reduced to a wheelchair 24/6 ( i get to go out 1 day a week ) I dont sign on the Dole I never asked for handouts but one thing i do have is a Carer. I totally rely on my Carer and i totally rely on the Internet for my really small buisness and to be able to communicate with anyone on the outside world ( my outside world is anyone outside my house ) I agree with Paddy in what he is saying and ok dahamsta has a valid point too. But this post was not ment for here. To be discussed by people who first of all dont care and secondly dont want to know about it. I think the first thing that should be acheived is Cheap Internet Access for ALL, be it ADSL/ISDN/56k or whatever. This topic should be moved and faought for at a later date in a seporate Forum. Sorry if this sounds rude but ive been there done that and wore the T-Shirt. Its time this Topic was dropped and we got on with the problems in hand.

Manic

WARNING: This post was NOT Spell Checked or edited in any way.

Paddy20

To:- Dahamsta, As I do not know of any other campaigning organisation specifically concentrating on "Fairer internet charges for everyone?? - How you can say that my request for subsidised access call rates "Is a seperate issue" Surely the very active response to this my - latest - posting on this subject. Is proof that it is not a resolved internet problem and many people are showing that they have "plenty more" opinions on the issue. As for myself I posted my wish on IrelandOffline, because I have to stay "offline" most of the time, due to the charges and the fact that my income is limited to subsistance level - "Disability Allowance". I hope this helps clear up any misunderstandings? and by the way I hope IrelandOffline "A campaigning organisation"!! will adopt the needs of the "Disabled/Housebound" so that I do not have to hunt around for another forum for this debate/issue. Many Thanks for your co-operation and I genuinely mean "No offence" to anyone?? despite my occasional "rant" Its only me letting off steam - very therapeutic, Your, paddy20. Living in hope that justice will prevail in the end - for all users of the internet:rolleyes:

chernobyl

IOFFL was established to campaign for cheap access for all and not for some specific group, it is indeed a completely seperate issue.

IOFFL represents all home users...

Manic

IOFFL was established to campaign for cheap access for all and not for some specific group, it is indeed a completely seperate issue.

All 'Is' being specific!

IOFFL represents all home users...


And your point is?


Manic

dromoland

Ok I have to agree this is a separate issue, But surely any side issue like this one that might be taken up by the media will bring to the public attention the overall problem of unaffordable internet charges in Ireland, might even embarress Eircom.

I feel any new fronts that could be opened up will all contribute eventually to our main goal: affordable internet access for all.

dromoland

billy the squid

Giving disabled people the ability to generate an income from either tele-working or setting up their own business needs to be subsidised by the government.

They may not be able to work in factories but they could have excelent say accounting or clerical skills which , thanks to the internet they can do from home. This is why internet should be subsidised by the government if only to allow members of the disabled to either allow them to get out of the poverty trap.

as for using the internet for leisure could all the able bodied people lock themselves in a room and talk to no one for a month. I doubt any of us would last. I would call this solitary confinement it should only be dished out to people who misbhave in prison.

Should IrelandOFFline represent them, yes, why, because they decided to take on the issue of high cost of internet access in this country.

I think it would confuse the message that IrelandOffline is trying to make about Internet access generally

Ireland offline started out because there were several No Limits domestic customers got the two finger saluite from esat. Did adding the needs of small businesses internet costs confuse the issue?

If your finding the whole issue of whether or not disabled people having a subsidised internet confusing then get whatever working group responsible for setting up alliances with other lobby groups to get on it and find out if groups like enable ireland would be interested given that it would help their members gain employment from working at home or starting a business of their own.

SkepticOne

Originally posted by fcddunne
Should IrelandOFFline represent them, yes, why, because they decided to take on the issue of high cost of internet access in this country.

No one was suggesting that Ireland Offline not represent disabled people as Internet users. IrelandOffline is about representing all Internet users who support its aims. You seem to be suggesting otherwise.

Ireland offline started out because there were several No Limits domestic customers got the two finger saluite from esat. Did adding the needs of small businesses internet costs confuse the issue?

No, but these were simply used as an example of a group that were suffering because of the bad internet access situation here. They also carry more weight with the government given its business orientation, but the benefits should be enjoyed by all. It does not mean that we wish to exclude other groups.

If your finding the whole issue of whether or not disabled people having a subsidised internet confusing

You misunderstand what was said. I've said earlier that I personally am in favour of subsidy for specific groups but I'm not sure whether IrelandOffline should be adopting this approach. Perhaps it is better to concentrate on the underlying issues was what I was saying. To do both might confuse what IrelandOffline is about with those we are lobbying. I don't find the issue confusing given that I said a couple of posts ago that I was in favour of it. I might be wrong but I feel I'm being misrepresented here.

dromoland

fcddunne, I just want to say all the points in your last post were excellent as far as I am concerned.

But it look like irelandoffline are not interested in specific groups.

Since the demise of Esat Surf No Limits I feel this forum is no longer supported by a good many of the very people who would probably give backing to an issue like this one, but who no longer can afford paying per minute to visit this website long enough to digest all the postings and then give their reply.

That's not to say that I do not appreciate what the people who run irelandoffline are doing for everyone in the country.

dromoland

Paddy20

Message to IrelandOFFline, Operators, Managers, or Policymakers??. Let me get a straight answer to a straight "question". Was IrelandOFFline "set up" to represent the interests of "ALL" Internet users. I would like an honest - yes - or - no, answer please!, as the answer will determine my next course of action re:- My sincere belief that the "Disabled/Housebound" are an important part of the word "ALL" and can not be treated as a minority on their own, as some seem to be suggesting??. IrelandOFFline has my support . I just hope that I have theirs - "offically declared" once and for all. I look forward to your response. Your, paddy20.

BuffyBot

Paddy20:

There's no nice way of saying this and it's meant in a general sense rather than a personal, but ermm.....you're not going out of your way to engender any support or good feelings either. Demanding answers, and making postings with an agressive tone doesn't help anyones case.

IMHO

chernobyl

[chernobyl enables paddy20 post mode]"You" "are" "not" "being" "supportive" "enough"[/paddy20 post mode off]

yours,"paddy20"

qwertyup

I think it is not necessarily a very good idea to campaign for a smaller group with a slightly different agenda to the general concept of IrelandOffline.

The chances are that if one line is pursued like this, you would dilute attention from the main message, and probably just give the Government/Eircom a chance to do something meaningless in return for media plaudits and public praise.

Just my $.02

dahamsta

What BuffyBoy said, but I'll answer your question Paddy20:

Your question was: Was IrelandOFFline "set up" to represent the interests of "ALL" Internet users. Which, because I'm a perfectionist, I'm going to take as: Was IrelandOFFline "set up" to represent the interests of "ALL" Internet users in Ireland.

IrelandOffline was set up with the express purpose of campaigning for affordable Internet access in Ireland, and you can take that to mean "the people of Ireland". The disabled and housebound are people of Ireland, so the answer to your question is: "Yes, IrelandOffline was set up to represent the interests of all Internet users in Ireland, BUT it was set up to represent them as a whole, and not as a mutitude of disparate groups. Business, consumers, college students, the handicapped, etc, etc, all get treated alike by IrelandOffline.

Our campaign, if successful, will benefit you Paddy20. But it would be illogical, and possibly even wrong, if our organisation attempted to represent disparate groups individually. We're already overstretched, we can't afford to break it down like that. As has been suggested, if you believe IrelandOffline is not doing /enough/ for your own subcategory, you should talk to organisations that represent you. They can do far more for your own particular needs that we ever can. But that should not preclude you from being a member of IrelandOffline.

adam

Xian

Unlike transport and health services, the Internet is not an essential service...Should the disabled also be entitled to discounts with record stores?... cable TV companies?... video rental?... McDonald's?

Yes it is. Access to information and freedom of communication is widely seen as a basic right. This is not beer and cigarettes. News, the postal service, terrestrial television, public transport are considered public necessities. Magazines, couriers, cable television are not. There is no recognized public necessity for videos or McDonalds. The public necessity of food and information is, however, well recognized.

eircom is a private company, the goverment has no right to tell it what retail products it provides and at what price

The ESB is a commercial company. This does not discount the need for a heating allowance.

why not the unemployed, single mothers, low paid, small business

yes, no, yes (unemployed specifically),no

.....did i leave anyone out?

The elderly and, as noted elsewhere, carers.

Oh yeah...why not me as well.

NO!

incoherent idiots

This is a public forum, Paddy. The choice is yours who to listen to and who to respond to.

The government cannot tell Eircom to provide a service to any person or group. They are now a private company. Any "social services" they provide now would be on a contract they have accepted from the government, not because they have been instructed.

See above.

If someone is housebound 24/7 then i wouldnt object to a subsidy for internet access for them.

See Dustaz? I told you it was a good idea to go on holiday: we're in agreement again!

The advent of online shopping doesn't mean we should subsidise the net because it's become "essential"

By your reasoning, noone should get subsidized access to Luas when it is introduced.

Paddy20

Reply to Dahamsta:- Many thanks to you for your prompt and considered reply to my question re: IrelandOFFlines representation of - all - inernet users in Ireland. You have clarified my doubts and I am very happy that - all - includes the "disabled and housebound" The efforts of Ireland OFFline to get a fair deal on accesing the internet for all is to be admired and I congratulate you all for your continuing campaign, without Ireland OFFlines existence I would not have found a forum to air my frustration - and I appreciate you allowing me to use your site for a "public poll" on the need for the disabled to have cheaper access to the internet, as it clearly would enhance the "quality of life" for them and that includes myself. Finally, I note that the "Yes" voters seem to be leading at present, which is encouraging - please keep voting - on this issue !!, Thanks to you all for lifting my spirits out of the doldrums. Yours, paddy20.

Paddy20

Reply to "Xian" Many thanks, for your supportive posting of yesterday. I really enjoyed reading it and agree with everthing you said and the subtle way that you got your views accross? - wish I had your talent . Good Luck, Yours,paddy20.;)

BuffyBot

Originally posted by Xian

Yes it is. Access to information and freedom of communication is widely seen as a basic right. This is not beer and cigarettes. News, the postal service, terrestrial television, public transport are considered public necessities. Magazines, couriers, cable television are not. There is no recognized public necessity for videos or McDonalds. The public necessity of food and information is, however, well recognized.
.
.
.
.
By your reasoning, noone should get subsidized access to Luas when it is introduced.

Luas is/will be public transport. You have stated yourself that this is a recognised nessecity. I agree. People who are deserving are quite entitled to subsidised/free access. However, it's a completely seperate issue from net access.

Much as I love the internet, and use it, I cannot agree it's a nessecity. We have all manged to live without it before it's popularisation, able bodied and disabled. It would not be right to subsidise net access for one group. I agree with dahamsta..the point of IrelandOffline is reduced internet access for all, not matter who they happen to be.:)

pencil

I haven't read this whole thread, but my feeling on the subject is that the internet IS a vital resource to anyone housebound.

I'd gladly pay taxes to subsidise the access for housebound people.

dahamsta

I just want to make sure that my comments aren't misconstrued -- there are two issues here, not one: the first being the original question, on whether or not the disabled/handicapped/housebound should have subsidised Internet access; and the second being whether IrelandOffline should represent these groups individually. My answers, in order, are "yes", and "no". My thoughts on the former revolve around pencil's comment. I haven't voted on this poll, because I've already voted in the previous - exact same - poll. I also made my thoughts clear in that thread.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=42185

adam

Paddy20

Reply to "Pencil" Nice one, Thanks for supporting my wish. It seems to me that some of the money that Ireland - has and still is receiving from the EU??.. Should cover any costs involved in this issue?. You should nothave to pay any more TAX as we are already just about the most "heavily" taxed Country in Europe. Let the politicians allocate - the "HAND OUTS" this Country has received to a few - worthy - schemes, such as cheaper internet access "for all"??., instead af wasting many "Millions" on white elephants??. Thanks again & be lucky, Yours, paddy20 - N.B Keep the issue rolling,it is popular after all??..;)

astrofool

problem is that ireland is so backward internet wise.

If they decide that the subsidy should be that the disabled get fixed cost internet access, it reduces the chance that everyone else in the country will be able to get it.

Flat rate access should be available to all.

The disabled should be entitled to a subsidised pc, and setup costs.

Remember, Eircom are screwing us all over, not just the disabled, so the fight should be made as a whole, dividing it into sub-groups all looking after their own as it were, dilutes the impact, and creates an "as long as I have it f*ck the rest" type atmosphere, and also allows Eircom to make token gestures to get themselves off the hook "look, we've helped the disabled, we're a nice company REALLY"

Dustaz

At the risk of sounding like a cold and heartless snake, this is just the type of thing that Ireland Offline should be using as publicity.

Paddy20's story is another example of how bad the internet situation is here and lets face it, its one that engenders real empathy (more so than 'nerds playing games' and business 'out to make a quicker buck).

Im not suggesting that we turn into some sort of mutant Max Clifford and take advantage of all the disabled/housebound/carers that use the internet, but there are valid and relevant points in the stories in these threads.

qwertyup

I think that it actually would be a dangerous road to pursue, going on the basis of greater publicity if the group was to partially campaign on the behalf of the disabled for subsidised internet.

Why?

For one thing, I would be very worried that Eircom would give some snotty promise which sounds good on paper, but does squat all in practise, and gains heaps of good publicity and praise on the back of it.

Meanwhile the issue of internet cheap for all would be forgotten as nerd's nirvana yet again, by the ever technologically ignorant press.

I wuld just be against taking attention away from the main cause (what little attention there is).

Paddy20

Reply from paddy20, to Dustaz &qwertyup:- As a supporter of Ireland OFFlinies campaign for "flat-rate" fairly priced internet access for -all. I have to agree with "Dustaz" Quote:" Paddy20s story is another example of how bad the "internet situation" is here" plus Quote:"This is just the type of thing that Ireland OFFline should be using as publicity"?.. You see "public relations" experts are always saying that -"Any publicity is good publicity"?.. especially for - campaigning organisation - and/or - Pressure groups -?. I personally believe that the media are always looking for a "new" what they refer to as a "HOOK" upon which they can write more about a particular issue - without "disregarding" the main aims of the campaigning organisation, the particular - hook - simply makes it easier for the journalists to have thier NEW story accepted by thier editor. The story is then printed and everyone benefits??... including Ireland OFFlines stated main objectives and aims!. So "qwerty" - If it is accepted that all publicity is good publicity and is certainly - Better than none - Then I have to "Disagree" with your statement, Quote:-" I think that it actually would be a dangerous road to pursue"??.. Plus as for Eircom - making Quote:-"Some snotty promise"?. I genuinely can not see that happening. Finally, let me just state that it is my firm belief that the only logical democratic resolution to this thorny issue will be found through The Dail. This issue of a flat-rate fair open competition internet access cost to Irish Citizens should be raised at "question time"by a TD on behalf of the concerned general public . The matter would then "probably" be put forward for "Debate" and a vote then taken amongst members of all parties on the issue??. If the politicians are in toush with the "grass roots" of thier individual constituencies, then hopefully a motion will be passed calling for legislation that allows and facilitates the open and fair competitive marketplace to decide how much we should be paying for a fair flat-rate "Unmetered" internet access service??.. Thereby opening the door to open competion where normally the "winner" is the consumer??.. i.e. in this case - ALL - the internet users in Ireland and that means both you and me!! , O.K. Many thanks to you both for your "postings" on my poll - your messages are appreciated very much by me??. Yours,paddy20 and a final plea - Let the good times roll!!.. Keep voting internet users on this issue and ALL of us will benefit in the end. ??...Yours, paddy20:cool:

dromoland

Paddy your last post hit the nail on the head. The whole question of unmetered internet access should long ago should have been debated in The Dail.

Can we not find one sympathetic TD out of the entire country to start the ball rolling. Maybe you should start another debate on this specific subject.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me the opportunity to vote in your worthy poll.

I agree wholeheartedly with all the points you made throughout.
As a matter of interest it would be very interesting to know the result when you wind up the poll.

Regards, dromoland