Communications Market Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018

Thursday, 1 February 2018

Questions (265)

Dara Calleary

Question:

265. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on providing the Commission for Communications Regulation with enhanced powers to address compliance issues across the industry to allow for more direct intervention; his further views on the nature of such powers; his views on whether the proposed Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill is an appropriate method for their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5126/18]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), established pursuant to the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 (as amended) is the statutory independent regulator of the electronic communications and postal markets.  In addition, ComReg is empowered to investigate suspected breaches of competition law in respect of electronic communications and related services. The proposed Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill will confer certain additional powers on the Commission for Communications Regulation in connection with the National Broadband Plan.

My officials and I engage with ComReg on a regular basis, on a wide variety of regulatory matters. Among the issues discussed with ComReg is that of enhanced enforcement powers, and we will be continuing that engagement in light of developments at national and EU level. The most appropriate mechanism to implement any required changes will be explored at that point.