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Minister urged to respond to An Bord Snip recommendations

Issued : Thursday 16 July, 2009

Liz McManus TD, Labour Spokesperson on Energy, Communications and Natural Resources has urged Minister Eamon Ryan to respond positively to the recommendations from An Bord Snip Nua in his area of responsibility.

"This report vindicates the Labour Party's proposal for strategic reform within the communications sector. We recommended the merger of ComReg and the new Broadcasting Authority of Ireland during the debate on the Broadcasting Bill. On behalf of the Labour Party I argued strongly for a converged regulator yet the Minister stubbornly refused to listen. I hope now that the Minister recognises the logic of our position. At a time of swinging cuts proposed by An Bord Snip Nua it is important to implement reforms that can save money and provide better service.

"I also welcome the recognition of the need to rationalise the energy awareness programmes. Again, on behalf of the Labour Party, I have been calling for the rationalisation of the two websites in this area - powerofone.ie and change.ie. It makes no sense to have two websites with the same basic message and goals. I believe that it is important that the public is more energy aware but clearly we need more cost efficiency and streamlining in bringing the energy awareness message to the public.

"In relation to the Inland Fisheries, it is vital that Minister Ryan proceeds with the amalgamation of the fisheries boards as he has repeatedly promised to do. The delay in bringing this legislation is unacceptable. Savings of €4 million would be gained from the merger of the regional fisheries boards yet this has been delayed totally unnecessarily.

"Many of the recommendations from An Bord Snip Nua are harsh in the impact they would have on the vulnerable, the young and the old. This makes it all the more urgent that reforms that will deliver more streamlined, efficient government as in the Communication, Energy and Natural Resources area proceed speedily."