Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to reduce cross-Border mobile phone roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7431/05]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he intends to take to have an all-Ireland mobile phone prefix. [7432/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.

Responsibility for the regulation of mobile phone prices and the overall management of the mobile numbering resource in this jurisdiction is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. I have no function in the matter.

In relation to cross-Border mobile phone roaming charges within the island, the provision of commercial offerings to tackle this issue, such as expanding the availability of all-island tariffs to more customers, is primarily a matter for the operators. I am on record as supporting the work that ComReg and Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulator, have done to date to encourage operators north and south to tackle this issue.