Vol. 557 No. 5
160 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the contacts he, his officials or advisers have had with the ODTR in relation to the mandating of flat rate Internet access; the outcome of such contacts; and if he has satisfied himself that the Commission for Communications Regulation has the necessary powers and resources to introduce flat rate access. [22941/02]
My Department has regular contact with the ODTR on a range of issues relating to the communications sector and these contacts have included the subject of flat-rate Internet access. The relevant legislation enables the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to intervene and resolve disputes among operators in interconnection matters such as this. I propose to issue a policy direction to the new Commission for Communications Regulation in accordance with the terms of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002, and it is my intention that the direction will focus on a number of key policy priorities for the CCR in the short to medium term, including the introduction of flat rate Internet access. The new commission will be established very shortly following which I will publish a draft of my policy direction for public consultation.
161 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on his recent appointments of new Commissioners for Communications Regulation; and if he has satisfied himself that the team to be in place for the CCR has the skills and experience to deliver on the Government's policy objectives for the sector. [22942/02]
The two new commissioners for communications regulation were selected following an independent competition run by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission and I have appointed them to be commissioners in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. I am confident that the new regulatory framework for communications established under the Act, under which the new commission will operate, will facilitate the further development of the sector in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
162 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the ODTR's recent investigation into Eircom pricing practices; and his views on the impact such practices might have on the development of competition in the telecommunications market. [22943/02]
Supervision of Eircom's charges is a regulatory matter for the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. I have no function in relation to this matter.
163 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has contracts for services with Eircom; if he has satisfied himself that any such contracts comply with the various legal and regulatory requirements on Eircom; and if he has taken action recently in relation to these matters. [22944/02]
Voice and data telecommunications services are provided to my Department by eircom under the conditions of a contract recently negotiated and agreed by the Department of Finance. The company is responsible for ensuring it complies with the various legal and regulatory requirements applicable to its operations and activities. However, such compliance is supervised on an ongoing basis by the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation.
164 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans in issuing a policy direction to the Commission for Communications Regulation; the reason he specially identified flat rate Internet access as an appropriate subject for such a policy direction; and when he expects the direction to issue. [22945/02]
I propose to issue a policy direction to the new commission for communications regulation in accordance with the terms of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. It is my intention that the direction will focus on a number of key policy priorities for the CCR in the short to medium term, including the introduction of flat-rate Internet access. The availability of flat-rate dial-up access will be a key facilitator for the development of demand for Internet-based services. The new commission will be established very shortly following which I will publish a draft of my policy direction for public consultation.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 76.
