John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with the Senators who have raised the issue of mobile phone charges. I heard the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in a radio interview over the weekend when he expressed his belief that a virtual cartel was in operation between the two leading operators in the mobile phone sector. I agree with him but I want him, as the person ultimately responsible for the communications sector, to tell this House how he will ensure mobile phone users will not be ripped off to the extent they currently are. I do not want to rehash what other Members have said on the issue.

My second point is concerned with the PIAB and yesterday's findings by the High Court. Senator Coghlan is correct in saying the outcome was predicted by many. I disagree with what Senator Maurice Hayes said about the judgment. I believe it goes right to the heart of what the PIAB was set up to achieve. The two main issues as regards insurance costs were the size of awards and legal fees. I debated the Bill with the Tánaiste on Report Stage when she was the Minister responsible for this area. What the judge said yesterday is a direct contradiction of what the Tánaiste led us to believe. I ask that the new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment clarify the situation in this House as soon as possible.