ComReg enforcement powers
Deputy McNamara asked when legislation would be brought forward to give ComReg stronger powers, including fines and sanctions, against telecoms providers. The Tánaiste said the Government would prepare the legislation with Minister of State Troy, bring it to Cabinet before Christmas, and aim to enact it by end-February.
In the months since the Government came into office, complaints against telecommunications providers - in particular Eir but also Vodafone and others - have rocketed. The programme for Government commits to giving ComReg additional powers. Yesterday the chairman of ComReg called for those powers, in particular powers to levy administrative sanctions and fines. When will the Government introduce legislation to give effect to that?
Comment on this
The Deputy is right about the major issue with poor customer service from telecommunications companies, which has been highlighted by all Deputies. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and I met the CEO of Eir to discuss this matter a few weeks ago. ComReg and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission need more powers to levy administrative fines. I will be preparing that legislation with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, and will bring it to Cabinet before Christmas. We will ask the House to have it enacted by the end of February.