Results 3,721-3,740 of 4,673 for speaker:Seán Canney

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Broadband Plan Implementation (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: Let us be exact about it. The final tender bid came in September this year. It is probably one of the largest tenders that we will have in the State for a long time. We want to ensure the evaluation process is correct, value for money is secured and it is a fair contract for everyone. That is the first step. Timing will be part of the tender and roll-out. I am not going to say to Deputy...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Electricity Generation (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 57 and 92 together. I strongly support a route to market for citizens and communities to generate their own renewable energy and to receive a fair price for doing so. Indeed, Ireland has been involved in developing the EU's Clean Energy Package which entitles renewable self-consumers to receive remuneration for excess electricity...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Electricity Generation (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: Microgeneration is a very small part of the overall plan. It is important for communities and that we do that in a way that will work. It is expensive and we need to make sure that whatever scheme we bring in will be cost effective. That is the reason the pilot has been done. It will be renewed this year and will be brought forward. We are looking at other schemes. As I said earlier,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Electricity Generation (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: To respond to Deputy Moynihan first, 3,000 applicants have expressed an interest in the microgeneration pilot scheme currently in play but only 200 have looked for a rebate. We are not just walking; we are running.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: The national mitigation plan published in July 2017 was an important first step. It signposted the direction in which Ireland must travel, while openly recognising that it was not a roadmap for delivery. The national development plan has provided a significant part of the roadmap. Specifically in relation to the decarbonisation of electricity, the plan envisages investments to support...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: Investment is being made, including €30 billion provided in the national development plan. We have significant potential in this area, including offshore wind. However, this technology is costly to develop, especially on the west coast where there are deep seas and wind factors. Although prices are dropping in Europe, it is likely that subsidies will be required if there is to be...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: The ESB is looking at potential energy sources for Moneypoint and working on this issue. The Deputy is right about the local authorities. Each one has a climate action officer and regional climate action offices are in place. A number of weeks ago, we launched a climate adaptation plan for local authorities to integrate climate action into their local area plans and planning processes....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018: Discussion (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: I thank the committee for inviting me to today's meeting. It is my first time participating in this committee which does much important work across a range of topics. I thank Deputy Bríd Smith for introducing the Bill. It has stimulated some very important debates on energy security, the use of fossil fuels and particularly their impact on the climate. The committee has heard from a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018: Discussion (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: I thank the Deputies and Senators for their contributions. Tackling the problem of fossil fuels is something we will do over time. It will not happen overnight. We talk about the potential of offshore energy projects. The fact is we do not have anything that is commercial at this stage. The issue is being looked at and there are projects ongoing, but they are at development stage. Until...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018: Discussion (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: It has not yet been fully developed for the Atlantic.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018: Discussion (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: We are doing things. There are projects ongoing, but they are at development stage.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018: Discussion (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: I propose that amendment No. 2 be made. It proposes to change the text of the draft report which states the Bill has broad political support from Opposition parties to state tackling climate change has the support of all parties.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: The challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is well understood by Government and is reflected in national climate action and energy policy which seeks to balance the competing aspects of sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply. Ireland will, within the EU and UN climate frameworks, pursue and achieve a transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Exploration Licences (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: A regulation, amending the Minerals Development Acts and which provides the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with the statutory authority to undertake screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in line with EU Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU, was signed on 28 September 2018. The regulation, which is entitled the European Union...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Inland Fisheries Ireland (18 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: Following consultation with the European Commission and advice from the Revenue Commissioners, a Support Fund has been established by the Government to provide a restitution payment to address the hardship experienced by former eel fishermen and women in the light of the closure of the commercial eel fishery for conservation reasons in 2009. The fund is administered by Inland Fisheries...

Seanad: Children's Digital Protection Bill 2018: Second Stage (12 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: It is my maiden voyage.

Seanad: Children's Digital Protection Bill 2018: Second Stage (12 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: I thank Senator Freeman and her co-sponsors for introducing this Private Members' Bill. As has been said, the online world brings enormous benefits. We see these benefits in our everyday lives, from small business owners using new technologies to improve their products and services to families communicating with loved ones abroad in an instant. However, as the online world becomes more...

Seanad: Children's Digital Protection Bill 2018: Second Stage (12 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: That is it.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Western Development Commission (11 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: The Western Development Commission, WDC, was established on a statutory footing in 1999 under the Western Development Commission Act 1998. The main aim of the commission is to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the western region, covering the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare. A Programme for a Partnership Government...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Dormant Accounts Fund (11 Dec 2018)

Seán Canney: The Deputy is right. As recommended by the Comptroller and Auditor General, my Department completed a review in 2017. The 15 recommendations seek to improve information gathering, simplify the operation of the fund and ensure that funding is used by the Departments or returned to the fund for use in other projects. Some good progress has been made, with comprehensive information on the...