Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

A recent report confirmed that service to the area, which is supplied by Eircom, is not adequate. ComReg has encouraged Eircom to provide a solution which will satisfy the needs of the local population. Eircom has an obligation to provide basic telephony services and functional Internet access to all consumers. ComReg is in the process of formally assessing whether the current telephony service meets the requirements of Eircom's universal service obligations. Depending on the outcome of the assessment and whether Eircom has provided a solution in the meantime, ComReg may consider an enforcement action. I will ask officials to convey to Eircom the Deputy's concern about the matter.

Deputies Catherine Murphy and Broughan raised the issue of a regulator of premium rate telephone services. RegTel is a self-regulatory industry body which authorises and supervises content and promotion of the premium rate telecom services. Neither the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources nor ComReg has a role with regard to content and RegTel does not report to the Minister. In addition, the Data Protection Commissioner has strong investigative and protection powers with regard to unsolicited electronic communications. The European Commission, in its consultation on safer mobile telephone use, recently stated that, where efficiently implemented, self-regulation by the industry is preferable to statutory intervention. However, if there is a strong case for strengthening regulation in this area, it can be examined.

The Minister is aware of recent coverage of customer dissatisfaction with NTL, particularly the company's introduction of new charging methods. Neither the Minister nor ComReg has a role in this matter. I understand the new National Consumer Agency and NTL have been in discussions to review the company's decision to charge a late payment fee.

On the level of interest in providing the national emergency call answering service, the legislation proposes tendering for the provision of this service. It is too early to know how many undertakings will be interested in providing the service. The provisions relating to the establishment of an emergency call handling service and the regulation of the ie. domain name are important measures and I welcome Deputies' support for them.

Deputy Connaughton is correct that Eircom provides poor customer service and I have asked officials to raise the matter with the company. This is a source of serious frustration to customers nationwide. I have also asked officials to raise the issue of telegraph poles being left in the middle of roads in counties in the west where planning permission has been granted for new houses but Eircom and the relevant local authority cannot agree on who should remove the poles. I will ask officials to respond to Deputy Connaughton on the matter.

I thank Deputies for their contributions and the interest they have shown in the Bill. I welcome the support of the House for its provisions and look forward to its consideration on Committee and Report Stages, when the overall objective will be to place it on the Statute Book as soon as possible.

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