Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I do not propose to accept the amendment. As a matter of policy, it is not considered appropriate that the breach of a condition of a licence should be an offence. The powers in the Bill to ensure compliance with the conditions are adequate for the purpose. The possible revocation, suspension or amendment of a licence under section 10 provides a strong incentive for service providers to be in compliance. The offence provision for operating an unlicensed premium rate service is intended to incentivise intending premium rate service providers to obtain a licence for such services.