Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes an extended role and function for ComReg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19994/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes an extended role and function for ComReg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20304/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 177 together.

Legislation is under preparation in my Department to enhance the enforcement powers of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in a number of areas. This legislation, the Electronic Communications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, will render non-compliance with the 2003 electronic communications regulations an offence, subject to summary or indictable penalties as appropriate and will accordingly increase ComReg's enforcement powers in this and other respects.

The legislation will give powers to ComReg in relation to the regulation of television retail broadcasting services from a consumer protection perspective.

In addition, the draft legislation specifically addresses ComReg's power to effectively intervene in an instance of suspected overcharging by an authorised operator.

I also intend to incorporate proposals in relation to the oversight of the Irish domain registry, more commonly known as the IEDR. I hope to publish the new Bill towards the end of this year.