Vol. 568 No. 2
173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals for the development of the telecommunications industry in view of the ever-increasing presence of competitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16185/03]
Ireland is part of a wider global economy where it is necessary to compete at the highest level in a communications environment. Despite difficult market conditions, change and market development continue to be key features of the sector.
My Department is focused on the issues raised by technology convergence and the blurring of traditional boundaries in regulation, legislation, service provision, technologies and business models in the sector. Public policy issues including the digital divide, environment issues, research and development and spatial planning are being addressed. My Department's legislative and infrastructure support programmes are a key element in promoting the development of the sector.
The independent regulation of the sector must continue to evolve in line with the needs of a rapidly developing market while at the same time ensuring that the interests of stakeholders are protected.
A new European regulatory package is required to be transposed into national law in member states by 25 July 2003, and my officials are engaged in ongoing work directed at meeting that deadline. The public consultation process on the transposing regulations provided a very valuable input into that process. A further directive on data protection in electronic communications is due to be transposed into national law by 31 October 2003.
