Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on calls for a functional separation of Eircom's business rather than a full structural split of its network and its retail arms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28969/07]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been in contact with Eircom regarding its proposed break up of its network business from its retail arm; if so, if he will ensure that a broken up Eircom will continue to provide affordable fixed line phone access under the terms of its universal service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28992/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 36 together.

The provision of telecommunications services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. Eircom, as a private company, is entitled to implement the corporate structure, which best meets its needs provided that appropriate engagement takes place with ComReg on any regulatory issues that might arise in a separated company. I understand that ComReg is seeking consultancy advice to assist them in that regard. Regulatory obligations such as the universal service obligations imposed on Eircom by ComReg would continue to be met irrespective of Eircom's corporate structure.

Soon after taking up office as Minister for Communications, I met the Chairman and Chief Executive of Eircom to discuss Eircom's plans for the future. In addition, officials in my Department have met with Eircom to clarify some of the issues outlined in a discussion paper I recently received from Eircom on the communications sector in general, including their proposals to separate its retail and wholesale arms. My officials are considering the matter further and I expect will engage again with Eircom in due course. Clearly my general policy concern in this area is to have a world class communications sector, as this is critical to our continued economic and social prosperity.