Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I thank my officials for their work on this Bill. It has been complex on the fibre optic ducting side and crucially in dealing with how to regulate premium rate services. I am pleased that we have been able to pass legislation that will have a real effect and do the job we are supposed to do, protecting the public. We have all received submissions from people, often young people, who have been subjected to scams by tapping into a ringtone or some other premium rate service without understanding that extortionate charges would be applied. Our ability to protect consumers from that sort of illegal behaviour is important. It encourages confidence in the State in commercial transactions and the rule of law.

This Bill allows us to protect consumers from such scams through legislation. It enables them to get refunds when they have been unduly charged, and enables us to stop companies engaging in such practices. It is important legislation. It continues the good work done by Regtel but gives it a real legal effect as it moves under the remit of ComReg.

I thank the Deputies opposite for assisting in the development of the Bill. They tabled several progressive amendments which improve it. I look forward to seeing action on the basis of these legislative changes from ComReg and across the country.

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