Internet Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 March 2015

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Questions (277)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

277. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government policy on the principle of net neutrality and the regulation of Internet infrastructure pertaining to the bandwidth provided by Internet providers to consumers; if he has examined potential benefits of net neutrality to business start-ups; his views on the recent decision by European Union member states on net neutrality provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10768/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

As Minister for Communications, I fully support an open Internet that ensures equal access to all content and applications, free from discriminatory practices based on price. At present there is currently no legal impediment to operators blocking access to internet content. However, this, however, is being addressed at EU level, where net neutrality provisions form part of the proposed Regulation on "laying down measures concerning the European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a Connected Continent". Ireland supports the current approach taken by the Latvian Presidency at Council to address net neutrality by way of a principles based approach. I am hopeful that the Latvian Presidency will be able to progress this matter sufficiently to allow agreement be reached with the European Parliament in the coming months.