Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the regulatory system as transposed into Irish law throughout the telecommunications industry adequately protects the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5421/07]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which developments in the telecommunications industry are in line with domestic and EU regulatory provisions with particular reference to competition and service to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5452/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 166 together.

The regulation of the electronic communications industry is the responsibility of Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 and the Regulations transposing the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications. ComReg's objectives include the promotion of competition and the promotion of the interests of users.

The framework is based on competition law principles and aims to promote competition, consolidate the internal market for electronic communications, and benefit consumers and users. In addition to economic regulation, the framework seeks to protect the consumer by laying down obligations in relation to data protection and privacy, universal service and user rights.