Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

In accordance with its current remit, Regtel is independent in its functions and oversight is exercised by the Regtel board. At present, premium rate services are regulated in accordance with contractual arrangements between Regtel and the service providers and by means of a code of practice to which all service providers are obliged to adhere. In addition, Regtel provides advice to consumers and recently launched a major education and awareness campaign, the STOP campaign, to alert consumers to the negative aspects of subscription services and how to unsubscribe from these services in an easy manner. Information on Regtel's code of practice, including the sanctions available for non-compliance and their awareness and advice campaigns, can be viewed on their website at www.regtel.ie .

According to Regtel, the majority of premium rate service providers operate within its code of practice. There are, however, a small number of non-compliant providers in the sector whose activities have brought the sector into disrepute and who have undermined public confidence in the regulation of the sector. It is the activities of these operators that must be the target of stricter regulation and enforcement.

I have prepared a draft Bill for the purpose of transferring the regulation of premium rate services to ComReg and to provide the necessary enforcement measures for the more effective regulation of the sector in the interest of consumer protection. The draft Bill has been recently circulated to all Departments for their observations. I expect to submit the draft Bill to Government for approval, to publish it shortly and to have it enacted as soon as possible thereafter.

The actions I have taken have been aimed at ensuring a robust and timely response to those service providers who continue to flout the rules and mislead consumers. The transfer of the regulatory function to the ComReg and the strengthening of the regulatory regime has been the subject of extensive consultation between my Department, ComReg and Regtel and with the industry. Many issues had to be considered and teased out to ensure the necessary tools and resources are available to ComReg to effectively regulate this sector and to protect users of these services. I believe the Bill, which is due to be published in this session, will achieve that objective.

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