Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of presentations made to his Department or to the Cabinet in regard to the expansion of broadband facilities; if such discussions took place in the context of the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31522/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has made no presentations to the full Cabinet in regard to the expansion of broadband facilities. However, a presentation is made at least annually to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Infrastructure and Public Private Partnership.
My Department receives regular presentations from interested parties regarding expansion of broadband facilities.
287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received further reports on the question of health and safety issues raised when television and telecommunication services were discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31523/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 32, 35, 41, 49 and 82 of 21 October 2004. I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.
Responsibility for the protection and promotion of consumer interests for electronic communications networks and services and the integrity of the network rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services)(Universal Service and Users Rights) Regulation SI 308 of 2003. ComReg has statutory independence in the exercise of its functions.
Furthermore, I would bring to the attention of the Deputy a letter which I issued to him on 9 November 2004 in relation to this issue and a report prepared by ComReg on the issue which was appended to my letter.
