MALICIOUS callers will be identified by Telecom Eireann's new computer tracing system which should be fully operational by September.
It will take three days to trace a nuisance caller with Telecom's new centralised and computer call tracing unit.
RTE's Liveline programme on nuisance calls initiated the demand for a new tracing system said Telecom. It found the processes in place were inadequate as a result of a meeting with gardai legal representatives, Telecom Eireann investigative personnel and victims of malicious calls.
Telecom has now abolished the Pounds 19.36 cost of changing phone numbers for the victims of crank calls. One psychologist, Dr Pat Short, recommends: "The best thing to do when a person receives a nuisance call is to say you've got the wrong number and hang up. Another alternative is to ask,the caller if he/she realises there is a tracer on the phone and they will be identified. That should put the fear of God into them and stop them making further calls."
There will be a centralised malicious call bureau in Telecom by the end of September with staff trained to deal with victims of malicious calls from the first call they make to Telecom right through to the prosecution stage. This will be a free service to victims of nuisance calls.
Telephones are becoming available which show the incoming telephone number. When in general use, phone companies expect malicious calls to be reduced or eliminated.