Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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398. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he discussed the roll out of 5G technology and the use of a company (details supplied) during his St. Patrick's Day visit to Canada. [14869/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The itinerary for my recent visit to Canada as part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day Programme included meetings with a wide range of stakeholders on a variety of issues, however not on the issue to which the Deputy refers. In relation to the roll-out of fifth generation (5G) networks, these are expected to be commercialised over the next few years. Roll-out of 5G technology in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis. Mobile network operators function in a liberalised market in Ireland, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions, as provided for in Section 11 of the Communications Regulations Act 2002.

There are statutory provisions to ensure that operators of networks and services in Ireland take appropriate measures to manage risks to the security of their networks and services, and to guarantee their integrity. These requirements are set out in the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 333 of 2011). ComReg is responsible for ensuring compliance with these provisions.