Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the availability of spectrum that will soon become available for use by telecommunications operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35557/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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As Minister with overall responsibility for spectrum policy, I am committed to ensuring that the spectrum resource is assigned and used effectively. This involves the efficient use of spectrum and also involves ensuring that spectrum policy is sufficiently flexible to accommodate technological development and that it supports and promotes innovation, and research and development, in new spectrum based technologies. A radio spectrum policy to meet emerging needs must make sure that the radio spectrum serves not only economic interests but also a range of public interests.

The Commission for Communications Regulations (ComReg) has responsibility for the day to day management of the spectrum. Spectrum is assigned by ComReg, by means of licences issued to individual licensees or licence exemptions, in accordance with Regulations, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926, approved by the Minister. In carrying out these functions ComReg regularly publishes consultations regarding the approach they propose to use in relation to spectrum assignment including, most recently, the 2300 – 2400 MHz (2.3GHz) band. Details of these consultations are available at www.comreg.ie.