Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mention was made of getting involved in discussions with the companies, but we have been trying to do this in recent months since the issue arose. Coverage was poor to start with, but it has got worse. The company does not seem to realise this. Every excuse is given to customers and elected representatives and we cannot seem to resolve the issue. In my area of west Cork, along the N71 and R586, the two main thoroughfares into west Cork, from Skibereen to Leap and into Clonakilty there is no mobile phone coverage. On the other side of the R586 in Dunmanway and into Ballineen the position is the same. It is not good enough in this day and age; we are back to levels in the Third World where countries have made far more progress than we have. One could ask why that is the case. Will the Minister intervene? There are too many rules and regulations. ComReg seems to have dictatorial rule over the country and the Minister must intervene on behalf of the people. I have confidence that he can do this because he is an excellent Minister in many fields. I would appreciate if he worked on the matter.

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