Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding 087 mobile phone coverage in an area (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42605/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The provision of mobile phone networks and services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers who operate in a fully liberalised market.

The regulation of telecommunications service providers, including regulatory issues surrounding mobile phone network coverage and quality, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with its functions under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, and the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.

ComReg is responsible for issuing licences to mobile phone operators and for monitoring compliance with the conditions attached to the licences. I am informed by ComReg that all of the operators have met their licence requirements in this regard and, indeed, that performance tends to exceed the minimum coverage requirements.

ComReg has an established complaints procedure to deal with specific incidents relating to lack of coverage. I have made enquiries and understand that ComReg has not received any complaints in respect of coverage in the Bonane/Kenmare region over the last six weeks. The Deputy may however wish to raise the matter directly with ComReg.