George Lee (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he plans to allocate or auction spectrum that will soon become available for use by telecoms operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43300/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for spectrum management in Ireland and is required, under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, to produce, publish and maintain the national Radio Frequency Plan, which is a national table of frequency allocations. This document details international and European frequency allocations as well as national usage and relevant national and European legislation. Copies of this document can be obtained from ComReg at www.comreg.ie. ComReg is also responsible for the assignment of spectrum by means of licences issued to individual licensees or licence exemptions, in accordance with Regulations made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 with my approval. The process used to determine which spectrum is assigned to whom is a matter for ComReg, including where necessary by competition or auction. In carrying out these functions, ComReg holds regular public consultations regarding the most suitable course of action for various spectrum ranges. ComReg is currently considering how best to assign spectrum that will become available in the medium term. In particular, there is likely to be significant demand for the spectrum which is in the GSM band and other spectrum that will become available when analogue TV is switched off. The options are complicated, and the final decision, regarding the optimal process is entirely a matter for ComReg.