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Mobile Telephony.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004

Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Questions (112, 113)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

151 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he plans to introduce a national register for owners of third generation mobile phones; his views on stated views (details supplied) that Ireland needs a register of 3G phones and that the register should be in place before the commercial roll-out of 3G; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31252/04]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have been exploring for sometime with both the industry and Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the matter of a register for the use of all new 2G and 3G pre-paid mobile phones. The principal aim of any such register would be to enable effective tracing of perpetrators of criminal activities who use mobile phones for criminal purposes.

The registration of the use of pre-paid mobile phones is a complex issue and the exact nature of such a register must be given careful thought. The legal, technical and practical issues surrounding this proposal require further consideration in consultation with interested parties, including the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and ComReg.

Legislation is already in place to prosecute the issue of nuisance and criminal calls, and the sending of pornographic images by mobile phones. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for policy in relation to the protection of children from the transmission of pornographic images by phones and other media.

Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 76.

Liz McManus

Question:

153 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will issue a directive to ComReg regarding continuing high prices in the mobile phone market and clear evidence of overcharging by companies during 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31257/04]

View answer

I have no function in the setting of these prices. The regulation of mobile telephone operators in this State is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations under the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications.

I am aware that ComReg has sought a comprehensive report from each of the relevant mobile phone companies concerning alleged incidents of overcharging and will decide on the appropriate action it may take following the consideration of the reports.

New telecommunications legislation is under preparation within the Department at present. Using this legislation, it is intended to give enhanced powers to ComReg to investigate overcharging and impose penalties, where appropriate.

Question No. 154 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 74.
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