Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce legislation to enhance the regulatory system with a view to ensuring against cessation of service to consumers in the telecommunications area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33558/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The telecoms market in Ireland is fully liberalised and open. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of the electronic communication sector rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations transposing the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services.

As the Minister with responsibility for policy in the sector, I am concerned about the disruption and inconvenience caused to so many customers, and possible damage to customer confidence, and I have asked ComReg to examine how, in light of the recent situation regarding Smart Telecom, this could best be prevented from happening in the future. All options will be considered, including legislation if necessary.