(1) In this section -

"call handling fee" means a fee fixed under subsection (2), and includes that amount as varied under that subsection;

"current operator", in relation to the emergency call answering service operating at the commencement of this section, means Eircom plc;

"payment period" means the period beginning with the date on which an order made under subsection (2) takes effect and ending with -

(a) the date (as publicly notified by the Minister) on which a contract entered into under section 58B becomes fully effective, or

(b) the day that falls 18 months after the date on which the order takes effect, or such extended period as the Minister may allow,

whichever first occurs.

(2) The Commission may, by notice published in the Iris Oifigiúil, fix the amount of the call handling fee payable under subsection (5), and may from time to time, by similar order, vary the amount of that fee. In fixing the amount of the fee, the Commission shall take into account the need to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the operator of the service.

(3) An order made under subsection (2) ceases to have effect at the end of the payment period.