Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 3

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.

John Bruton

Ceist:

78 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make a statement on a report (details supplied) to the effect that a draft EU Commission report described a company as one of the worst operators in Europe regarding delays in the provision of telecom circuits to carry voice and data traffic to firms on the basis that only two other EU states have a worse service delay; if she has discussed this matter with the company, the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and the IDA; if delays such as this have an adverse effect on regional development; and if the delay in publishing the promised communications Bill has an impact on the matter. [20964/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

In accordance with European directives, Eircom has been designated by the Director of Telecommunications Regulation as having obligations in relation to the provision of leased lines in Ireland. Supervision of these obligations is a matter for the director. I understand that the director has an ongoing work programme in place in this regard. I have no function in relation to such supervision.

In relation to the impact of leased line provision on regional development, telecommunications infrastructure is just one of a range of factors influencing regional development. The provision of leased lines is one element in the provision of telecommunications infrastructure. The national development plan includes a substantial allocation of public funding to stimulate further investment by telecommunications operators in the provision of advanced telecommunications infrastructure in the regions.

The Communications (Regulation) Bill is currently being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. The Bill sets out reforms of the regulatory framework for the sector in order to stimulate further competition in the provision of electronic communications networks and services by the industry. It will complement the telecommunications provisions in the national development plan by providing a more effective regulatory environment for further investment in, and development of, electronic communications networks and services.

Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 47.

Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 30.