Ms Etain Doyle, chairwoman of the Commission for Communications (ComReg), is stepping down from the regulatory body before her contract as a member of the Commission runs out next year.
Ms Doyle, who was the first industry regulator appointed by the State, said she did not want to be considered for re-appointment as chairperson of ComReg when her current term ends later on November 30th.
"I will remain at ComReg until early in the New Year, after which I plan to do a film-making course in New York, fulfilling a long-term interest, and I am also planning some professional projects for the longer term," she said in a statement.
Ms Doyle, who was appointed in May 1997 to oversee the liberalisation of the telecoms sector, was contracted to ComReg until June 2004. But under legislation passed last year by the Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, she probably would have had to relinquish her current role as chairwoman on December 1st.
Tensions between the Department and Ms Doyle may also have been a factor in her decision to step down early. Both parties have been unable to agree over her pension entitlements during the past year. Department sources said last night the pension issue remained unresolved.
However, Ms Doyle said yesterday she had enjoyed working at ComReg and thanked industry players and successive Government ministers for their support and encouragement in the role.
The Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, will appoint a successor to Ms Doyle within the next few weeks. It is likely that one of the other standing commissioners, Ms Isolde Goggin or Mr John Doherty, will be appointed to the top position in ComReg.
Ms Doyle said her decision to step down from ComReg came at a natural break-point for the organisation. The new EU telecoms framework was in place, third-generation mobile telephony had been launched and mobile number portability was working.
After completing her film course, Ms Doyle said she would plan some professional projects for the longer term.
Minister Ahern paid tribute to Ms Doyle yesterday. "Ms Doyle was one of the first regulators to be appointed, overseeing the communications market, which plays such a pivotal role in the economy. She has made a unique contribution in a sector which is dominated by large multinationals," he said.
