Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that all local loop unbundling has been completed in accordance with projections and requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35860/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Statutory responsibility for the promotion and regulation of Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, under the Communications Regulation Act of 2002 and the transposed EU regulatory framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Experience in other countries suggests that LLU is a key stimulant of broadband take up. There are just over 23,000 lines unbundled in Ireland. ComReg believes that the current suite of LLU products is fit for purpose and meets the needs of alternative operators. However, to date the full potential of LLU has not been realised in Ireland. The key issue appears to be pricing. ComReg have made some pricing decisions recently which, it expects, will facilitate greater competition in the LLU market.