Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Yes, it would be a positive development. We look to the UK example where a similar incumbent provider separated its business and provided its mainline retail network on a wholesale access basis. Going back to the argument the Deputy made earlier, it seems to me that there is an economic or commercial benefit for companies moving in that direction. By raising the overall level of business, be it in wholesale or retail, it could make more efficient use and development of a network system. I would be supportive of such a development. The exact mechanisms and how it would be done would primarily be a commercial matter for the company. It would be its decision as to how it managed its assets and arranged its business. The Government will work in one manner with ComReg and the Department to assist in whatever way possible such a development.

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