New regulations providing a framework of consumer rights for telephone users have been signed by the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms Mary O'Rourke. The regulations are part of an EU directive aimed at the telecommunications market. Eireann. They mean Telecom must specify the arrangements for compensation if it fails to meet minimum service standards.

The regulations also strengthen the powers of the Director of Telecommunicatons. A spokesman for Ms O'Rourke described the regulations as a "citizens' charter" for telephone users.

A Telecom spokesman said the company "wholeheartedly supports" the framework.