A chara, - Freephone numbers and phone numbers commencing with 0891, for example, can't be accessed by the Telecom Eireann system. Likewise, freephone numbers in the Irish Telecom system are unaccessible by the British Telecom system. Needless to say, such numbers in all EU jurisdictions have little access from another country. Also US and EU have impediments of access for each other in the 800 or 900 type calls.
Many of these numbers refer to shopping, announcements, and even charitable organisations. Talks in various governments, a Telecom Eireann spokesman has informed, are underway to resolve the differences. It is hoped these talks are underway both in the Dail and Parliament, both Brussels and Washington. - Yours, etc.,
Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal.