Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 1

Written Answers. - Directive on Telecommunications.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

30 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Communications the effect which the common position on the draft Directive on the Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and the agreement to step up co-operation on the use of radio frequencies will have on services provided by An Bord Telecom; if he will outline the effect the consortium formed by the three major European electronics and telecommunications companies will have on the Irish industry and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Communications (Mr. Burke)

During the Irish Presidency of the EC, the Council adopted a common position on a Council Directive on the Approximation of the Laws of the member states concerning Telecommunications Terminal Equipment, including the mutual recognition of the conformity thereof. The objective of this directive, which has yet to be formally adopted by the council, is to create an open single market for telecommunications terminal equipment by harmonising procedures for placing equipment on the market and providing for harmonised procedures for conformance testing while ensuring the integrity of public networks. The directive will allow equipment to be placed on the market in all twelve member states without having to go through additional individual testing procedures in each state after it has been certified in one member state. It is not expected that this measure will have any impact on the services provided by Telecom Éireann.

The Council Resolution on the strengthening of Europe-wide co-operation on radio frequencies, in particular with regard to services with a Pan-European dimension, was adopted during the Irish Presidency. The resolution invites the Commission, the member states and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) which has a membership larger than the EC, to support the further development of the new framework set up by CEPT to this end, including the setting up of a new European radio communications office. Ireland, through my Department will be a member of the new office. The resolution has no direct impact on Telecom Éireann services. The resolution will promote greater European co-operation in the use of spectrum. Greater harmonisation of standards and equipment in the radio communications field will be facilitated. This will benefit Telecom Éireann, as a telecommunications operator, Irish based manufacturers of equipment and suppliers of software, and last but not least the consumer who will get a better service at a cheaper price

With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, he will understand that matters relating to Irish industry do not come within my responsibility.