Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The Senator is right. The question then is whether the customer is not looking for it, because unwarranted advertising is a very serious issue. It is slightly different from the premium rates services issue. In that sense it is a contract that is entered into, either wittingly or unwittingly, whereas the issue of unwarranted communications is primarily a matter for the Data Protection Commission. We need to have co-ordination in that regard to ensure this is not unwarranted. It may be the most useful service in terms of the application of a phone, but if one is not looking for such a service, it could be a frightful nuisance. The second example given by the Senator in terms of target advertising is a matter primarily for a data protection officer, while recognising the reality that mobile phones increasingly are becoming our computers and main access point to the Internet. The volume of data we draw down in terms of video streaming, etc. will all happen on mobile phones.

For that very reason there have to be consumer protections in place to allow people the confidence to know their mobile phone dealings are legitimate and not scams. Therefore, strong regulation is good for the mobile phone industry. Hammering the bad operators is good for the development of this technology, which is something we should encourage. I believe it is positive, very efficient and can be socially beneficial. We have benefited from texting, for example. I do not know about the Senators, but when I get a text, I tend to like it. I like the form of communication and the type of social networking it provides. Increasingly, I use the Internet on my phone and it works. I like accessing the weather forecast on my mobile and watching the rain patterns which one can now get by satellite right to the phone. In our country that is beneficial, so we need to progress and disperse this technology, while increasingly using it for mainstream commercial and social communication. For those reasons we want to ensure it is run to a high commercial standard. I agree with Senator Quinn about the ongoing evolution, subject to the appropriate data protection restrictions of this technology, so we know that everyone in the school can be texted. In that way, a parent or guardian will not be fumbling around in their child's schoolbag and giving out to them the next morning because they forgot a school note. It is much easier to do it by text, as long as people are open to such communications.

I thank Senator de Búrca for going over the key details of the Bill, including support for the telecommunications infrastructure being provided by the National Roads Authority. When I visit local authorities and speak to county managers, the crucial thing they ask about is fibre. They want infrastructure, including roads, transport and water, but increasingly they realise that a lack of fibre will restrict economic development. We need to install further fibre in my area of south Dún Laoghaire and run it from there to County Wicklow where I am sure Senator de Búrca will be pleased to receive it.

I thank Senators who contributed on Second Stage. I look forward to taking the Bill through its remaining stages and enacting it for the betterment of our citizens.