19th April, 2002
Dr. Henry: I am delighted the Minister is back here with this Bill. I am glad she accepted the principle of the amendments tabled by Deputy Jim O'Higgins and Deputy O'Shea. They relate to an area that is very costly on which I also spoke during the debate in this House.
I did not mention it at that time, although I am sure it is something the Minister will encourage, that it is important that the new commission co-operates with the regulator in Northern Ireland, as has the current regulator which has been important. There are areas in the Border regions which will not get broadband unless there is good co-operation on both sides of the Border because there is not the population there to attract people to bring broadband to those areas. I am conscious that the Leader of the House takes a great interest in the BMW regions, although I think that is an unfortunate name for those regions which are said to be deprived. It is important to continue such good co-operation. I have contact with Mr. Courtenay Thompson who is the head of the regulatory commission in Northern Ireland. I know that the people there are most anxious that the co-operation they have had with the regulator here should continue now that we will have a new commission.
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