Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to any proposals by Eircom to acquire a company (details supplied); if he has examined the possible implications for the consumer in the event of such an acquisition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10846/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Any proposals by Eircom, or any other commercial operator in a fully liberalised market, to acquire another company is a commercial decision for those involved and not one in which I have a function. The telecommunications market is fully liberalised and regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is the body responsible for consumer protection in this area. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to any plans to divide Eircom into a number of separate companies; if all such companies would remain within the same ownership; if so, the way in which this would benefit the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, recently published a consultation document entitled Forward-looking Strategic Review of the Irish Telecoms Sector. This document sets out a number of possible scenarios for the telecommunications sector, one of which includes the vertical separation of Eircom in the interest of competition. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions and it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on this matter.