Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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569. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the analysis conducted in regard to the number of online scam practices; and if there has been analysis carried out on the way in which this affects vulnerable groups. [6302/19]

Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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570. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration has been given to providing additional powers and resources to the Commission for Communications Regulation to address regulation of online scams being experienced in view of the policy to move persons to online use of public services. [6303/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 569 and 570 together.

I have no function with regard to monitoring or policing criminal activity online. This is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána.

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 sector which includes telecommunications, radio communications, broadcasting transmission, premium rate services and also of the postal markets.

Whilst ComReg does have a statutory function to protect consumers’ interests, it does not regulate online activity and has no role in policing criminal activity online, such as the type of online activity to which the Deputy refers to in his Question.

ComReg meets it consumer protection role by providing information and advice to users, monitoring service providers’ compliance with regulatory obligations and intervening in disputes. More information on ComReg's role and functions is available on its website (www.comreg.ie).

Additionally, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has information on how consumers can protect themselves from scams generally - this information can be found on the CCPC website at www.ccpc.ie/consumers/money/scams/scams-what-to-watch-out-for/.