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Gnáthamharc

Telecommunications Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2007

Wednesday, 14 February 2007

Ceisteanna (34)

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

89 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his vision for the development of the communications industry in electronic and print form in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5414/07]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The electronic communications market is of key importance to the national economy and is a significant factor in determining national economic competitiveness. The regulation of this industry is the responsibility of the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 and the Regulations transposing the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications. ComReg's objectives include the promotion of competition and the promotion of the interests of users.

As Minister for Communications, I have responsibility for overall telecoms policy. My objective has been to facilitate an open and competitive market, with the range and quality of services available to consumers that befits a modern economy like ours. The electronic communications market is dynamic and ever evolving, and while the market has been liberalised for some time, there is always room for improvement.

The primary tool available to me to do this is legislation. The current EU regulatory framework is being reviewed by the European Commission and my officials and I are fully engaging in this process. In addition, the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill, which was published this month, is primarily designed to strengthen the regulatory framework for the electronic communications sector. The Bill will enable ComReg to better achieve one of its primary functions, which is the promotion of competition, thereby leading to better and more competitively priced telecommunications services for consumers. This Bill is on the priority list of legislation for enactment by the Government, during the current term of the Dáil. I expect to bring it before this House shortly.

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