Vol. 529 No. 2
107 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that an adequate price is received for the crucial part of Irish infrastructure represented by the third generation mobile phone network; and if he will request the Comptroller and Auditor General to re-examine the sale of the first competitive mobile licence, in view of ongoing public concerns. [2606/01]
My Department is in consultation with the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation regarding the fees to be charged for the third generation mobile phone licences. Under section 111(6) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 as amended by Statutory Instrument No. 96 of 1998, my consent to the charging of a fee for such licences is required. In fulfilling my statutory responsibility I will be concerned to ensure that the fees paid adequately reflect the value of the licences issued, taking account of the non-financial obligations involved in the licence terms, and of the importance of 3G to the development of the telecoms infrastructure in Ireland.
It is a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor General to decide whether he should review the process of the award of the second GSM licence. The Comptroller and Auditor General is independent of the Government. I have no power to request the Comptroller and Auditor General to undertake any review or investigation.
