Vol. 574 No. 3
189 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of the 1500 kilometre national fibre network being constructed by ESB Telecoms from Ballyshannon to Buncrana, along the company's power transmission grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27012/03]
ESB Telecoms responded to the first call for proposals under the e-commerce and communications measure of the national development plan 2000-2006, and my Department signed a grant agreement with the company to construct a 1,500 kilometre fibre optic trunk line. The grant for the project is €16.6 million. The final section from Ballyshannon to Buncrana is now being completed.
190 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to put new legislation in place which will address consumers' rights in respect of broadcast distribution services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27038/03]
On 21 July this year, four directives were transposed as part of the new European Community regulatory package for electronic communications networks and services. The regulatory package is designed to bring European Community legislation on electronic communications into line with the far-reaching changes, including technological convergence, taking place in the telecommunications, media and information technologies sectors; strengthen competition in the electronic communications markets in the EU and simplify and clarify the current complex regulatory framework by reducing the number of specific legal measures therein; and provide a lighter regulatory touch in those cases where markets have become more competitive while attempting to ensure that a minimum of services is available to all users at an affordable price and that the basic rights of consumers continue to be protected.
As a consequence of the definitions in the regulatory package, cable operators are no longer subject to regulation by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in the areas of price, transparency, publication of information and quality of services. Draft heads of an electronic communications miscellaneous provisions Bill are at an early stage of progression. The Bill will apply appropriate provisions of the regulatory framework to retail broadcasting service providers. These provisions will include measures contained in the universal service directive regarding quality of service, billing disputes, transparency, dominance etc. The Bill will provide for regulation across platforms, thereby levelling the playing field between service providers.
191 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with Coillte Teoranta in the matter of it providing sites for telecommunications masts despite the strong objections of local people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27039/03]
The Forestry Act, 1988, established Coillte Teoranta as a private commercial company. The issue of the leasing of land is a matter for the company.
