Vol. 482 No. 6
107 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the Government will introduce a Telecommunications Bill to provide for a general reform of the telecommunications legislation in a liberalised market or other legislation resulting from the strategic alliance in Telecom Éireann; the change of policy, if any, there has been from the previous Government in this regard; and if so, the reason this has taken place. [18554/97]
Much of the legislative reform necessary for the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector is being introduced as part of the ongoing process of transposition of EU directives on the issue into the Irish law by means of Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972.
I am, however, considering introducing primary legislation for the telecommunications sector prior to full liberalisation to deal with issues which may not be fully addressed by the transposition of the directives.
Proposals are currently being examined in my Department for the introduction of legislation to deal with the rights and obligations of telecommunications operators in relation to the construction of telecommunications infrastructure.
I have not yet made any decisions regarding future legislative proposals in relation to the sector.
