Irish troops allowed phone home for free

Irish peacekeeping troops overseas are being supplied with free calls home for Christmas.

The initiative has been organised by the Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea and Dome Telecom - which has a contract with the State for the provision of phone services overseas.

Last year the company supplied 45 minutes of free calls, and the Minister has decided to match that this year - meaning the 700 Irish troops abroad will have an hour and a half to talk to family and friends.