Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

265. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on providing the Commission for Communications Regulation with enhanced powers to address compliance issues across the industry to allow for more direct intervention; his further views on the nature of such powers; his views on whether the proposed Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill is an appropriate method for their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5126/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), established pursuant to the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 (as amended) is the statutory independent regulator of the electronic communications and postal markets.  In addition, ComReg is empowered to investigate suspected breaches of competition law in respect of electronic communications and related services. The proposed Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill will confer certain additional powers on the Commission for Communications Regulation in connection with the National Broadband Plan.

My officials and I engage with ComReg on a regular basis, on a wide variety of regulatory matters. Among the issues discussed with ComReg is that of enhanced enforcement powers, and we will be continuing that engagement in light of developments at national and EU level. The most appropriate mechanism to implement any required changes will be explored at that point.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

266. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on wholesale market competition and the necessity to create the environment and appropriate structures to drive this further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5127/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provision of electronic telecommunications services by private operators, including wholesale services, occurs within a fully liberalised market.  Decisions by those operators with regard to all matters pertaining to the delivery of the service, including wholesale mobile services, are a matter for the service provider concerned. The regulation of the telecommunications market and the companies operating within it, to the extent permitted by law, is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the Communications Regulation Act 2002.

ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions and is directly accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas.