Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 339: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to introduce legislation in relation to controlling premium rate text messages on mobile phones in the absence of the issue being tackled by the service providers who are themselves major financial beneficiaries; if he is monitoring the level of complaints made to Regtel, the consumers association, the service providers and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8863/07]

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

I have no plans to introduce legislation for the regulation of the content of mobile phone products and services.

The Office of the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecoms Services, RegTel, which is a self-regulatory industry body, already exists to authorise and supervise the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications services within the Irish market. Self-regulation by the industry is preferable to statutory intervention.

RegTel does not report to me as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The area of consumer protection within which RegTel operates falls mainly under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs. In addition, the Data Protection Commissioner has strong investigatory and prosecution powers with regard to unsolicited electronic communications.