Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent he has communicated with the regulator with a view to bringing about greater cost effectiveness and a greater ability to meet the consumer demands in terms of modernisation of the telecommunications sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35875/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Earlier this year, I published "Next Generation Broadband: Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland". That policy paper sets out government strategy on (i) ensuring the availability of broadband services throughout Ireland and (ii) improving the speed and quality of those services. The paper also set out the policy principles underpinning broadband regulation and required the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to produce an action plan setting out how the regulatory framework could be used to facilitate the roll out of next generation broadband networks. Subsequently, ComReg published its discussion document "Next Generation Broadband in Ireland".

While ComReg is an independent regulatory body, my officials are in regular communication with ComReg on matters relevant to the operation and development of the electronic communications market in Ireland. Additionally, the recently published "Government Statement on Economic Regulation" and "Review of the Regulatory Environment in Ireland" will give rise to strengthened mechanisms for the assessment of the performance of regulators. The statement and review require departments to monitor regulators' delivery on strategic objectives and priorities. My officials will be engaging with ComReg on these matters in due course.