THE second stage of the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was passed after a vote. The Bill permits the State to sell shares in Telecom Eireann and provides for the setting up of a regulatory authority for telecommunications services. It was passed by 67 votes to 62.

Mr Jim O'Keeffe (FG, Cork South West) said telecommunications would be the key to making an impact in creating a true regional policy. Costs must be level throughout the country and the ridiculous penalty now existing on those who lived and worked in rural Ireland must be ended.

The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said the legislation would be reviewed in the light of how competition in the market place affected telecommunications services.

The Bill was referred to a Dail committee.