Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reports that he will give Regtel more powers; the reason for same; his further views on incorporating Regtel into ComReg; the timeline for providing more powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35611/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am interested in the protection of consumers and have recently expressed my concern about the level of consumer dissatisfaction and number of complaints from members of the public in relation to the operation of premium rate telecommunications services.

In this context, I intend to examine how the regulation of premium rate telecoms services should be best addressed, and how the system could be strengthened to provide better and more targeted consumer protection, especially for children.

As part of this process, I met recently with the Regulator and Chairman of RegTel to share my concerns and to explore how improvements might be made. I also plan to engage with my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment as the area of consumer protection within which RegTel operates, also falls under his remit.

As this area is fast moving and complex, my consideration of the issue may require input from many stakeholders, including child safety, parent and consumer organisations, mobile network operators, content providers, handset and network manufacturers, and regulators.

Finally, I would like to emphasise the role of parents in decisions concerning the purchase and use of mobile phones by their children. Their supervisory role is key to the protection of children. I am also aware of the work done by the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) over recent years in encouraging the safe and responsible use of mobile phones including publishing a Parent's Guide, which aims to inform parents of some key safety tips to encourage responsible and secure use of mobile phones by their children.

Notwithstanding this, the level of complaints being received from parents and children with regard to texting charges shows that there is a continuing problem which requires a much tougher regulatory approach. I intend developing and delivering a new tougher regulatory system in the New Year.