Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018
514. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which wholesale prices of broadband here compare to other EU countries; his plans for policy initiatives to reduce these prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5872/18]
View answerI understand that the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has consulted on its review of two wholesale markets (Wholesale Local Access and Wholesale Central Access) including competition within the markets and the pricing of access services. ComReg expects to issue a decision in relation to these markets later this year.
The provision of electronic telecommunications services by private operators, including wholesale services, occurs within a fully liberalised market. Decisions by those operators with regard to all matters pertaining to the delivery of the service, including wholesale pricing and connection fees, are a matter for the service provider concerned.
The regulation of the telecommunications market and the companies operating within it, to the extent permitted by law, is a statutory function of Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the Communications Regulation Act 2002. Also in accordance with the 2002 Act, ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions and is furthermore directly accountable for the performance of its functions to Committees of the Oireachtas.
Accordingly, I have no statutory function in this matter.
