Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with any of the relevant stakeholders in relation to removing all mobile phone roaming charges on the island of Ireland. [11479/07]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has reviewed the recent report by European Consumers' Organisation BEUC and French consumer group UFC Que Choisir (details supplied); if he will direct ComReg to investigate and establish precise and reliable statistics regarding the volumes and revenues of international telecom services by all mobile service providers operating here including all termination and roaming rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11358/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 172 together.

The report by 'beuc', the European Consumers' organisation, highlights the need to address high roaming charges. Since coming into office I have highlighted the issue of roaming charges.

Following pressure from me, my Northern Ireland counterpart and the regulators, all the Irish mobile phone operators introduced special tariffs to address the cost of roaming on this island. I have strongly supported the European Commission in bringing forward proposals for a regulation on roaming. High charges for roaming within the EU represent a very clear example of a barrier to the single market.

The German presidency compromise proposal is currently the subject of negotiation at EU level. My officials are playing an active role in these negotiations.

While acknowledging that the regulation is still under negotiation, it is likely that National Regulatory Authorities will be responsible for monitoring compliance by operators with the provisions of the Regulation when it enters into force. This will include requesting the companies to supply the necessary data to enable the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), to monitor compliance. ComReg will be independent in exercising this function.