Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 95: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the eventual re-allocation of telecommunication services following the Smart Telecom — Eircom dispute which led to large scale discontinuation of services to consumers is in line with Government policy and expectation; the provision he has had with service providers to ensure compliance with his Department's policy and EU competition rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5348/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 Minister with responsibility for policy in the sector, I was concerned about the disruption and inconvenience caused to so many customers and I understand ComReg has put a protocol in place to protect customers should such a similar situation arise in the future.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the recent proposals by Dublin City Council to develop WiFi zones in Dublin, he has examined measures for developing WiFi hotspots on a national basis; if he has had discussions with the Department of Education and Science and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as regards developing WiFi services in educational and local government facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5250/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Since the liberalisation of the telecommunications market, I have intervened with various initiatives where the market has failed to provide adequate services. The facilitation of broadband coverage across the entire country continues to be a key priority and I am considering an appropriate initiative to achieve that goal.

I have not examined measures for developing WiFi hotspots on a national basis and I have not discussed the development of WiFi services with any other Departments.