Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The Commission for Communications Regulation was established on 1 July. That is why ComReg's financial year starts at that time of the year, rather than on 1 January. The amendment relates to the provision whereby ComReg will be required to produce an annual action plan outlining its principal planned activities and an associated annual financial forecast before the end of its financial year. It just so happens that the commission started its activities in the middle of the year. It is not seen as very important to change its financial year. It would probably be more difficult to change it than to leave it as it is. This system does not hinder ComReg's ability to plan for each year. It could be argued that it allows the commission to base its plans on an 18-month rather than a six-month period.

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