Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposed merger of the Commission for Communication Regulation and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland announced in the Public Service Reform Plan; if he foresees any loss of independence in the commission's role as independent regulator of the electronic communications sector here after the merger; if he anticipates any potential conflict of interest arising from this merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37379/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Government has taken no decision to merge the Commission for Communication Regulation and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It has however, directed that the proposal be critically reviewed and reported and reported on before mid 2012.

In this context I intend to set up a Group to examine the feasibility or otherwise of this proposed merger. The Group will be mandated to address both the policy and operational issues pertaining to a merged Body. The Group will be established prior to the end of 2011 and its report will be presented to me in good time to enable the review to be completed within the timeframe set by Government.

Matters for consideration in respect of this review will encompass a number of areas, chief among them being efficiency savings and related structural, funding, legislative and staffing issues. It is particularly important that any new merged body would continue to encompass effective regulation of both the communications and broadcasting sectors. There are potential policy synergies in a new merged body. The telecommunications and broadcasting sectors are experiencing increasing convergence, as content is delivered over the internet platform. There is a need to maximise the opportunities this presents in the context of an increasingly digital society. Any merger must also lead to organisational efficiencies and produce cost savings.