Denis Naughten
Question:118 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will review the Communications Regulation Act, 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18301/02]
Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.
I have no proposals to review the Communications Regulation Act, 2002.
This Act was enacted on 27 April 2002. Two key provisions of the Act came into effect on that date: section 45 provides for fines for operators found guilty of being in breach of a condition of a licence to be increased from £1,500 to €4,000,000 or 10% of turnover whichever is the greater and part 5 of the Act provides for the introduction of a clear regime for control by road authorities of road openings by telecommunications operators.
The remaining provisions of the Act, which relate primarily to the role and functions of the new commission, will come into effect on 1 December 2002 when the new Commission for Communications Regulation will be established. On that date, two new commissioners, Ms Isolde Goggin and Mr. John Doherty will join Ms Etain Doyle, current Director of Telecommunications Regulation, to form the three person commission. On 1 December, Ms Doyle will take up her position as chairperson of the commission for the first year of its existence.