Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I believe we have seen real success and progress in the area of communications. The investment by Eir and other operators like SIRO, Liberty Global and Virgin Media is very significant. That competition has delivered for the Irish people, particularly the universal aspect of that given that the national broadband plan is covering areas that would not otherwise be reached. The investment by Eir is not insignificant.

The role of ComReg is critical in maintaining a competitive market and ensuring standards are reached in terms of universal service obligations or the technology provided being used appropriately. ComReg is in the process of scaling up quite significantly. It would need a lot of additional resources to complement its role in the NIS directive. That will see it having to significantly expand its operations. That process is ongoing in terms of getting additional staff - an agreed head count. I do not believe there is any desire on the part of the Department or Government to restrict ComReg in that. We realise that it is very important to have a well-funded and well-resourced regulator. Much of ComReg's regulatory costs in this area come from the industry itself so it is not an immediate burden on the State. The industry recognises that having a well-resourced regulator is in its interest as well because you get quick decisions and good consultation. We do need to expand ComReg and make sure it has additional staff. We are in the process of helping it deliver that.