Vol. 450 No. 6
186 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if legislation will be required to establish an independent regulator for Telecom Éireann; and, if so, when such legislation will be brought forward. [5526/95]
The first steps toward the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications sector have already taken place within my Department. Functions relating to the regulatory aspects of telecommunications have been separated from matters relating to general telecommunications policy and the shareholder's interest, which I hold. Regulatory functions are now administered by the Telecommunications and Radio (Regulatory) Division of my Department.
While these steps have been taken without the need for legislation so far, it seems likely that legislation will be required in order to establish a regulatory authority that is legally independent. I am not yet in a position to give a precise timescale for the introduction of any such legislation.
