Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I do not propose to accept these amendments. Section 41(1) imposes an obligation on operators to establish procedures for dealing with complaints in settling disputes. Section 42(1) requires operators to have a code of practice in place. Should it be necessary for further detail to be put on these obligations to further elaborate on the requirement that they be accessible, ComReg has been given power in both instances to specify requirements for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the section, which will include the requirement that the procedures established are accessible. It is important that ComReg be given appropriate latitude to use this tool in future, if this is necessary. It has as one of its objectives the promotion of users' interests. It is, therefore, the most appropriate body to determine what, if any, further specification of this obligation is required. Any action taken by ComReg in this respect would need to be justified and it will need to be consulted upon, providing the evidential basis for the imposition of more specific obligations.