Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of new entrants to the telecommunications market who have applied to or are willing to get involved in the provision of broadband or other telecommunications services or facilities throughout the country; if his attention has been drawn to the obstacles encountered by such companies; his proposals to free up the system and give the customer the benefit of an open deregulated and competitive service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26529/06]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of potential broadband service providers of which he is aware and which are anxious but unable to compete effectively in the provision of broadband services throughout the country; the action which is required to ensure that those in a position to provide services can do so without obstruction of either financial or technical nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 113 together.

The authorisation regime under the current regulatory framework for telecoms has lowered the barriers to entry for operators. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully-liberalised market. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is the statutory body with responsibility for regulatory oversight of this market.