Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if EU regulatory legislation, as transposed into Irish law, adequately protect the interests of the consumer and the economy; if he has in mind legalisation proposals to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33515/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The EU regulatory framework for both energy and telecoms is in place for the benefit of consumers and the economy. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for the regulation of the telecoms industry in accordance with the EU regulatory framework transposed in 2003 and the Communications Regulation Act of 2002. One of ComReg's key objectives is to promote the interests of users.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is required under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002 and relevant subsequent regulations, to exercise its functions in a manner that protects the interests of final customers of electricity and natural gas and also to promote competition in the supply of electricity and natural gas. The Green Paper "Towards a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland" recently published by my Department has opened up the debate on the shape of policy directions for the future. In particular it poses questions as to what actions should be taken domestically to reduce the cost of electricity and gas to consumers and to reduce fuel poverty. I am looking forward to an imaginative debate on these issues, which will no doubt inform policy in this regard going forward.

I am in regular contact with the regulators for the sectors under my remit and other key stakeholders. Any proposals to address concerns that may arise in these areas will be given my full consideration, and I will not hesitate to bring forward legislative changes if appropriate.