Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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455. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport to outline the extent Ireland complies with the EU Digital Networks Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68347/26]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Given the importance of the electronic communications sector to both the economy and society, robust regulation of networks and services in a manner that enables investment, ensures operational resilience and trust, and appropriate consumer protection, requires a coherent regulatory approach.

In January 2026 the European Commission published its proposed Digital Networks Act which contains a number of new policy proposals for regulating the electronic communications market. This file is currently being negotiated via the Telecommunications and Information Working Party in Brussels. My officials are engaging with the European Commission as part of the Presidency of the European Council and expect to deliver a substantial Progress Report at the Formal Ministerial Council in Brussels on December 1st.

My Department recently held a public consultation on the Digital Networks Act to hear from stakeholders who will be impacted by this proposal. My officials are currently assessing the responses. When the Digital Networks Act comes into force, which is still subject to negotiation, my Department will do everything possible to ensure that Ireland can meet its obligations.

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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456. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport to outline the extent Ireland complies with the European Electronic Communications Code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68348/26]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Ireland transposed the European Electronic Communications Code in 2023 which saw ComReg designated as the competent authority for the purpose of enforcing the Code. It provided new powers for ComReg including a new civil enforcement regime and an updated criminal enforcement procedure, the power to set minimum quality of service standards for consumers, and allows ComReg to take interim measures where necessary and sets a higher penalty for the commission of indictable offences.

Given the importance of the electronic communications sector to both the economy and society, robust regulation of networks and services in a manner that enables investment, ensures operational resilience and trust, and appropriate consumer protection, requires a coherent regulatory approach.

There is regular engagement with ComReg to discuss a range of policy and regulatory issues, including resourcing and funding of the regulator to enable it deliver on its current and evolving statutory remit. This includes legislating to ensure there is clarity around existing and additional functions that may be designated, and that relevant enforcement powers and consumer protections are in place.