Vol. 568 No. 2
112 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to date with regard to his Department's discussions with the CCR to ensure that a level playing field exists across all television platforms, including satellite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15922/03]
The new EU regulatory package on electronic communication networks, services and associated facilities must be transposed into national law by 25 July 2003. The regulation of content is specifically excluded from the scope of the directives implementing that regulatory package and thus the transposing regulations will not result in providers of television services being subject to regulation on broadcasting content in this State. In the context of the transposition into Irish law of the European regulatory package, the extent to which the package applies to other aspects of the provision of television services in the State by satellite as well as other platforms arises. Such aspects include access to facilities, quality of service and consumer protection.
The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, has recently issued a consultation document on arrangements for the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services under the new regime. I am awaiting ComReg's conclusions on the regulation of television transmission before considering what measures may be appropriate. If it emerges that the new regulatory package does not cover elements of television service provision in Ireland which may be appropriate to regulate then I will consider whether additional legislation will be necessary or appropriate to address the issue.
