Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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284. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has a function in the development of mobile phone network quality and coverage, notwithstanding the role being played by the regulator; if Government has a role to play in ensuring the adequacy of high quality mobile telephony in line with best practice in other European countries; if in view of the fact that the quality here is not keeping pace with our competitors throughout Europe, an initiative will be considered to improve matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11044/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations.

As Minister for Communications, one of my key objectives is to promote timely investment in state of the art telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of a supportive legislative and regulatory environment.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks. These investments are improving the coverage and quality of fixed and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.

While investment in communications infrastructure and services is primarily a matter for the private sector, the National Broadband Plan commits to a range of actions that will facilitate the more efficient commercial investment in the rollout of communications infrastructure.

Since publication of the Plan in 2012, a working group has been established to address infrastructure issues which were identified by industry as creating barriers to deployment of services. The group is chaired by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and Local Authorities.

The Group has reviewed issues relating to the location of telecommunications infrastructure on public roads, particularly motorways, with a view to reducing blackspots and enhancing services and will shortly be in a position to publish a report which will give guidance on the potential location of overground telecommunications infrastructure on public roads.

The Group is now addressing issues in relation to road openings and deploying infrastructure underground. Local Authorities have an important role in assisting the rollout of telcommunications infrastructure, as does the the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, whose planning process must be complied with in advance of infrastructure deployment.

My Department is also in the process of reviewing national spectrum policy and is currently considering the outcome of a recent public consultation on spectrum policy. An important element of this review is to ensure that our legal and regulatory environment supports continued investment in mobile telecommunication infrastructure, which is dependent on access to radio spectrum. It is expected that a draft policy statement will be published later this year.