Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members for their help in advancing the measures provided for in the Telecommunications Services (Ducting and Cables) Bill 2018. I thank Members who spoke on Second Stage for their positive comments and constructive input to the Bill. I am pleased to note that Members on all sides of the House are supportive of the principle of the Bill.

Following consultation by my Department with the Office of the Attorney General I propose to introduce several amendments today. Most relate to drafting matters. One significant amendment requires the addition of a new section 2 and a consequent amendment to the Long Title. These amendments vest ownership of the ducting and cables in the Minister.

I wish to set out the rationale for these amendments. The ducting and cables are currently being used by way of interim arrangement with Gas Networks Ireland acting as the network manager. As part of the interim arrangement it was necessary to provide Gas Networks Ireland with certain rights to use the network, including temporary ownership of the cables and ancillary equipment. It has been agreed with GNI that ownership will pass to the Minister on finalisation of access rights.

The proposed amendments ensure that the ownership of the ducting and cables and ancillary equipment will vest in the Minister on the coming into operation of the section. This will eliminate the potential for any legal doubt in that regard and any possible delay in bringing the network into full operation.

Amendment No. 1 is a small interpretational change to the definitions of ducting and cables as advised by the Attorney General's office. It intends to put beyond doubt that the definition of "ducting" and "cables" includes ducting and cables and all ancillary apparatus.