Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the responsibilities retained by him as opposed to those exercised by ComReg regarding mobile telephones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16563/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department sets policy for the communications sector generally and establishes the appropriate regulatory framework. The main objective of communications policy is that it contributes to sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and innovation and to ensure that Ireland is well placed to avail of the opportunities afforded by the development of the electronic communications sector. The objective of the regulatory framework for electronic communications is to deliver a process that encourages and supports a competitive, dynamic and innovative communications industry.

The EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications requires member states to establish an independent, impartial and transparent regulatory process to progress the delivery of a fully liberalised internal market in communications. In Ireland this task is performed by ComReg which has day-to-day responsibility for regulating both communications and postal services in accordance with the Communications Regulation Acts. The provision of mobile phone networks and services is a liberalised service. ComReg issues licences to mobile phone operators and monitors compliance. ComReg informs me that all the mobile phone operators exceed their licence requirements in respect of coverage.