Vol. 509 No. 2
79 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether the existing statutory framework is adequate in terms of provision for the accountability of the Office the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to Government and the Houses of the Oireachtas; and the plans, if any, she has to change the status of the office. [20168/99]
Under the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996, the Director of Telecommunications Regulation is responsible for implementation of the telecommunications regulatory framework and, as is specified in the Act, is independent in the exercise of her functions. It is important that the director has sufficient freedom to carry out these functions effectively but with due regard as a public body to the need for appropriate accountability for her actions. The Act contains certain provisions relating to the accountability of the director.
Deputies will be aware that in April last I announced my intention to prepare legislative proposals to provide the director with a firm basis for the regulation of the sector well into the next millennium. Among the issues which will be addressed in these legislative proposals are the accountability, independence and effective operation of the office. It is my intention to bring the necessary legislative proposals before Government as soon as possible.
Deputies will also be aware that I recently announced my intention to initiate a consultative process encompassing not only the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation, but all the regulators under the aegis of my Department. That process is intended to lead to a discussion document which will address a range of issues relevant to the current and future regulatory environment in Ireland.
I believe that this is necessary in order to provide a clear and detailed policy framework on the governance and accountability of regulators, based on experience gained to date. Pending the outcome of that consultative process, I have no plans, at present, to alter the status of the office.
