Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the departmental officials and ComReg for appearing before us. Two words ring in my mind, one of which is "marginalised". It is believed that Ireland will be further marginalised. This sets alarm bells ringing straight away. Ms Licken spoke about the networks. As it is, there are issues with the networks and there are rural areas where a network has been switched off for two or three days. An issue arises over networks, not to mind the issue of our being further marginalised. We must proceed with extreme caution because networks are fundamental. If there is any attempt at centralisation to the detriment of various states, and if the word "marginalised" is being used cautiously by ComReg, it reflects greater concern over how marginalised we will be. The Irish economy and society must be protected at all costs. From the briefing, it seems the proposals are not for the betterment of Irish society. Therefore, we must proceed with caution.

The other phrase that I noted was "plain-language contracts". ComReg has appeared before us many times. The word "gobbledegook" was used in regard to contracts and documentation being sent to the ordinary punter. From both briefings today, the concept of plain-language contracts was the only item I could salvage that was any way positive to Irish society. Perhaps the delegates could elaborate on how Ireland could be marginalised and the context in which the word "marginalised" is being used. Is it being used cautiously? How do we go about protecting Ireland’s interests in the face of the proposal at this point?