Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the need for a new regulatory framework here with the creation of a single regulator under the auspices of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31630/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The enterprise strategy group recommended that the existing regulators for networked sectors, for example, electricity, gas, telecommunications and broadcasting, should be replaced by a new regulatory body covering all networked sectors.

The Government considered this recommendation and decided not to implement it. In looking at international experience the Government remains to be convinced that regulatory amalgamation on the scale proposed would be an efficient model. Indeed, there is a danger that a single regulator could give rise to slower decision making and less focus on smaller sectors compared with more dominant ones. Any further action in this area is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources whose remit covers these networked sectors.