Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the management of spectrum space; if he has directed his Department and ComReg to undertake research in this regard; his views on whether Irish spectrum space will be commercially auctioned; if the regional radio communications conference 2006 has taken place yet; the Government's negotiating position on the frequency spectrum allocations for Europe for the next 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26643/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Access to spectrum space is an essential requirement for many sectors including telecommunications, broadcasting, aviation, shipping, public safety and defence services. This, together with the significant pace of change of radio communications technology, makes the management of the radio spectrum a complex task with no single approach being applicable for all services.

Both my Department and the Commission for Communications Regulation actively participate in the relevant fora in Europe concerning spectrum policy, use and management and consequently stay abreast of the latest developments and trends.

I can support the introduction of market mechanisms, such as auctions, for spectrum management where the use of the spectrum is directly subject to market forces. Where the use of the spectrum is required for the provision of security, social, cultural or public policy objectives then market mechanisms may not be the appropriate way to manage the spectrum.

The ITU Regional Radio communications Conference 2006 for the planning of spectrum for digital broadcasting concluded recently in Geneva.

As indicated above, the radio communications sector is changing at a rapid pace and the establishment of long term strategies covering up to 20 years may not be the most appropriate way forward. However the participation of both my officials and those of the Commission for Communications Regulation in the relevant European fora ensures that Ireland's interests are adequately presented and taken into account.