Rabbitte blames 'flat' consumer economy for Eircom 'blip'

The Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has described the drop in revenue at Eircom as a "blip".

The company reported that they saw a fall in revenue and earnings in the last three months of 2012.

However, they said their operating costs were better than in 2011.

Mr Rabbitte said the company is continuing to work hard in a tough environment.

He said: "This is a robust company that demonstrated that when it came through examinership.

"I think the last quarter of 2012 is a blip that just demonstrates the fact that the consumer economy has been flat."