169 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans or proposals to encourage the separation of the retail and wholesale structures in the telecoms sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11449/07]

I have no function in this matter. The provision of telecommunications services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. Any proposal by Eircom to separate its retail and wholesale arms would primarily be a matter for the company subject to compliance with any regulatory requirements which would be a matter for ComReg to determine.