Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I thought the Deputy was well brought up. He should have some manners.

Deputy Durkan raised the issue of Kyoto. As far as I am aware the Government's attitude is that we should comply with the Kyoto criteria. I have moved on from that Department but my information is that we are more or less there in regard to them. We will reach our Kyoto targets.

Roaming charges are also something for which I can claim credit during my time as Minister with responsibility for communications. I was the first Minister to raise the issue of roaming charges. We raise it at every meeting with our Northern and British counterparts and, thankfully, the two major telecommunications companies on this island have responded brilliantly. The Taoiseach raised it and the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, previously raised it with the Commissioner and the Commission came forward yesterday with a proposal in this regard. The Commission is currently talking about reducing high international roaming charges. We will continue to push this matter with our colleagues and with the Commission. As far as the Government is concerned the aim is the elimination of roaming charges altogether because they are a restraint on trade, particularly in those communities who live on either side of borders, as is the case on this island.

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