Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on adopting laws that conform to principles of net neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1138/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The issue of net neutrality is currently being considered by the European Commission. The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) published its report on “Differentiation practices and related competition issues in the scope of net neutrality”, on 26th November, 2012.

The essence of net neutrality and the issues underpinning the debate include how best to preserve the openness and quality of this platform allowing innovation to flourish, while ensuring respect for fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom to conduct business.

The EU will play an important role in this matter, guiding Member States on a common approach which could inform any future legislation. I will await the outcome of EU deliberations in this regard.