Vol. 575 No. 3
217 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ComReg has indicated a wish to impose spectrum charges on terrestrial, free-to-air broadcasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28174/03]
Under the new EU electronic communications regulatory framework, which was transposed into Irish law on 21 July 2003, ComReg may impose charges on all providers of electronic communications services and networks, to meet expenses properly incurred by the commission in the discharge of its functions regarding electronic communications. I have no function in this matter. The Communications Regulation Act 2003 provides that the commission is independent in the exercise of its functions. The new framework also entitles ComReg to impose licence fees for users of spectrum or rights of use charges. However, any such charges, in requiring an amendment of regulations made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926, would be subject to ministerial consent. I have no proposals to introduce further legislation requiring the imposition of spectrum charges on terrestrial free to air broadcasters.
