Ms Clare McNamara:

I have to point out that ComReg has two sets of powers. It has powers as a regulator of the telecommunications market, which is totally outside the remit of our Department. That is within the remit of ComReg's parent Department. It then has powers as a competition authority.

The powers that ComReg would be given under this Bill deal specifically with the implementation of competition law both in terms of Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the 2002 Competition Act.

It is only specifically breaches of competition law, whether that is cartel behaviour or abuse of dominance. ComReg will have powers to investigate any breaches it sees in those areas within the telecommunications sector. It does not have any impact on ComReg's overall powers. This Bill has nothing to do with its overall powers as a regulator of the telecommunications sector. That is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.