The Deputy will be aware that Commission for Communications Regulation is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions. Nevertheless, I have the power to issue policy directions to that body in order to ensure that the regulatory framework for the sector is in line with the overall objectives for the sector as laid down by the Government.
In February of this year, in the interests of the proper and effective regulation of the electronic communications and postal markets and the management of the radio frequency spectrum, I issued a policy direction on broadband electronic communications networks to the commission. This policy direction had the specific purpose of ensuring that the regulatory framework for electronic communications plays its part in contributing to the achievement of the Government's objectives regarding the widespread availability of open-access, affordable, always-on broadband infrastructure and services for businesses and citizens on a balanced regional basis in addition to general communications objectives: greater industry sustainability, regulation only where necessary, regulatory impact assessment, consistency across platforms and with other member states, regulation of retail prices, management of the radio frequency spectrum and the establishment of a universal postal service. I have asked the commission for regular reports and will continue to monitor progress.
Additionally, my Department has run a number of programmes of targeted intervention in broadband and Internet provision under the national development plan in recent years. Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, approximately €200 million was allocated under the two regional communications and e-commerce measures. Funding under these measures is intended to leverage and accelerate investment in competitive advanced information and communications infrastructure and services.