Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2006
125 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to take an all-Ireland approach on the issue of communications; and the steps he has taken in this regard. [2178/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra145 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to harmonise communications networks between here and the Six Counties; and if so, the stage which they are at. [2176/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra164 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the obstacles there are to the harmonisation of communications networks on this island. [2180/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra165 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to harmonise the mobile telephone network on an all-Ireland basis in order to eliminate roaming charges on this island. [2173/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra182 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether there would be an economic and social benefit for Irish people in the harmonisation of communications networks and technology throughout this island. [2177/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra186 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had contact with the authorities in the Six Counties in relation to the harmonisation of communications networks. [2175/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra211 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the cost to small businesses operating in the Border area due to roaming charges. [2179/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra230 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he intends to take regarding the harmonisation of communications networks on an all-Ireland basis. [2174/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 145, 164, 165, 182, 186, 211 and 230 together.
The regulation of telecommunications operators, including pricing for mobile services, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications.
All our EU partners are also subject to the same EU regulatory framework. In this situation telecommunications markets are regulated on a national basis by independent regulators. Ofcom is responsible for the regulation of telecommunications operators in Northern Ireland.
Any changes to the existing EU regulatory framework would be subject to negotiations at EU level. The EU regulatory framework is currently being reviewed at EU level. I have already raised and will continue to raise the issue of roaming with my EU counterparts.
In addition to this I should also point out that there is close co-operation between both regulators and governments. I welcome the announcement in December of ComReg and Ofcom adopting a coordinated approach to licensing certain designated frequency spectrum on an all-island basis. This is a real example of cooperation in action.
I have prioritised roaming charges as an issue that is of concern to people on the island. Minister Angela Smith, my Northern counterpart, and I have had a number of meetings with the regulators who are working with the operators North and South, and looking at ways to address the issue of inadvertent roaming. These discussions have focused on improving network coverage and exploring tariff options. I realise that this is an issue that involves business decisions, which is a matter for the operators.
For my part, I have already taken the opportunity in meeting the operators, to raise this issue and will continue to do so. I will also continue to pursue the issue with the Northern Ireland Minister Angela Smith.
