John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will initiate a consultation with the telecoms and digital industries in order to tackle the hidden threats to consumers from applications on smartphones, specifically built-in applications that cannot be disabled but which use the Internet at full premium rates; and if he will undertake to set guidelines whereby consumers' consent to charge is clearer, password requirements are strengthened to prevent buying unwanted items, and there is more explanation of the cost of virtual credit. [1125/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The regulation of premium rate services, including those provided via "apps" (applications) on smart phone and tablet devices, is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg require charges for premium rate services to be transparent. Customers are required to be informed about how services operate, and clear consent is required before any subscription is entered into.

In December 2011 ComReg communicated with all authorised mobile operators regarding the transparency of charges for smartphones where the handset automatically uses data to check for updates. ComReg is currently reviewing material provided by the mobile operators and may issue an information notice/communication through their consumer website www.askcomreg.ie on completion of the review. ComReg will also publish its revised Code for Premium Rate Services shortly. In relation to the cost of virtual credit, I understand that paying for virtual credit by Premium Rate Services is not currently possible in Ireland. Other web based options are available, e.g., purchasing virtual credits from social networks through the use of credit cards. However, this is a matter which is outside of ComReg's regulatory remit.