From the link provided by Rainyday above:
COMREG CONSUMER GUIDE -
Unsolicited Marketing Calls
Do you receive unexpected calls from companies attempting to sell products or services? You have rights concerning the use of your telephone number by companies wanting to sell to you. This guide looks at privacy issues for telecommunications users.
About ComReg
ComReg is responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications (telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting transmission) and the postal sectors.
What is the law?
Regulations1 made in 2003 prohibit unsolicited contact by electronic communications means for marketing purposes. This includes contact by fax and SMS. Companies must ensure that you have given your prior permission i.e. “opted in”, to receive direct marketing calls on your mobile. A fixed line customer is considered to have “opted in” however they can “opt out” by contacting their service provider.
What information must companies provide if they contact you?
Anyone contacting you must provide:
• his or her name,
• the name of the person or organisation on whose behalf the call is being made,
• the telephone number or address
at which that person or organisation may be contacted
If a company already has your electronic details because you are an existing customer, they can contact you about their own products or similar products. You must be given the opportunity to withdraw your consent (“opt out”), in an easy manner and without charge every time they contact you.
What is Unsolicited Contact?
An unsolicited contact is contact that you have not requested. This includes telephone calls, faxes or text messages. This generally happens when someone wants to sell you a product or service, to conduct market research or for other promotional purposes. The term “Unsolicited Contact” does not include calls or messages placed with your prior consent or calls made by an organisation with which you have an existing business relationship.
How can I stop being contacted?
• Request the organisation to remove you from their contact database. You can write to the organisation concerned, and they must write back to you within 40 days confirming that they have dealt with your request.
• You can contact your telephone service provider and inform them that you do not consent to being contacted.
• Records need to be updated and the Regulations allow 28 days for this to occur. Therefore, after 28 days you should no longer be contacted.
I have an ex-directory number, can I still be contacted?
An ex-directory number provides you with a way to increase your privacy because customer information for an ex-directory number is not published in print or electronic phone directories. Also your number is not available through operator assisted directory services. Bear in mind, having an ex-directory number will not prevent you from receiving unwanted calls as you or a member of your family may have included your number on application forms and competition entries. Should you receive a call you must inform the caller that you are to be removed from their contact database.
Who do I complain to?
If you have “opted out” and you continue to receive calls after the lapse of 28 days, you may wish to make a complaint. Contact the Data Protection Commissioner who will investigate the matter for you. If your Telecom Service Provider has not complied with your request to “opt out” you may complain to ComReg who will investigate the matter for you.
How can I contact ComReg?
You can contact ComReg in a number of ways:
By Phone (LoCall): 1890 229 668 (9.00am to 5.30pm)
By Fax: 01 804 9680
By Email: consumerline@comreg.ie
By Post: ComReg Consumer Team
Irish Life Centre
Block DEF
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
How can I contact the Data Protection Commissioner?
You can contact the office of the Data Protection Commissioner in the following ways:
By Phone : (01) 874 8544 (9.45am to 12.45pm, 2.15pm to 5.00pm)
By Fax: (01) 874 5405
By Email: info@dataprotection.ie
By Post: Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
3rd Floor, Block 6
Irish Life Centre
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1