Results 8,301-8,320 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 145 together. The Government is addressing the local infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware that a number of companies have expressed interest in the proposition of a European "supergrid" for wind energy but none has as yet made any specific approach to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) nor to the Transmission System Operator who have responsibility for licensing connection to the national grid and planning the national grid, respectively.

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My core policy objectives in relation to broadcasting as outlined in my Department's Statement of Strategy published in July 2005 are as follows: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTÉ; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; and, to seek to retain...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 153 together. I am aware of the Forfas Report to which the Deputy refers. The Report acknowledges the explicit Government policy position on nuclear generation in Ireland while commenting that consideration of the option should not be precluded in light of international developments. The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 318 together. As I have told the Deputy in response to similar questions, I have no role or responsibility for the actions of persons conducting bullying or malevolent activities over electronic communications networks. I refer the Deputy to recent replies given to Questions Numbers 14 and 31 of 6 April, 2006.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 319 together. There are already procedures in place for developing and delivering oil and gas discoveries. It must be understood that the area of developing oil and gas fields is a very complex area and is dependent on factors such as the location of the discovery and whether the discovery is oil or gas. Issues such as existing infrastructure in the...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The opening of the electricity market to competition has meant that, in order to create a level playing field between all market participants, the Government's public service requirements need to be transparently identified and costed. ESB has in the past been obliged to provide these services. In pursuance of key energy policy objectives of security of supply, fuel diversity, environmental...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The small size of the Irish electricity market underlines the need for greater interconnection as a means of enhancing security of supply, promoting competition and integrating the Irish electricity market into the wider European market. In this context, the East-West electricity interconnector project is a key priority for the Government. I will be bringing the matter to Government in the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The telecoms market is fully liberalised and is regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Regulations Act 2002 and the transposed EU Regulatory Framework.

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The opening, conversion and closure of individual post offices is a matter for the board and management of An Post. With regard to the post office network, as clearly set out in the Programme for Government, this Government and the Board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Security of supply in relation to electricity is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005. These Regulations give the CER formal responsibility in law for security of supply of electricity with powers to act to secure and enhance supply. The CER has been empowered to take...

Written Answers — Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory Bodies (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I recently announced my intention to provide the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) with concurrent competition law powers in the telecoms sector, which will allow them to investigate and take action in issues such as the abuse of dominance. These proposals are being progressed within my Department in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. I intend to bring these...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have no plans for the regulation of the content of mobile phone products and services. The Office of the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecoms Services, RegTel, already authorises and supervises the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications services within the Irish market and is independent. RegTel does not report to me as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 346 together. As a member of the International Energy Agency Ireland is required to maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports of crude oil equivalent in the previous year. The EU imposes a similar requirement based on consumption. The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) is responsible for holding Ireland's strategic...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 294 together. The Greener Homes grant aid package for the domestic sector is being rolled-out over a five-year period from 2006 to 2010. The scheme supports investment in renewable energy heat technologies. The level of funding currently available under the package is €27m overall for the three technologies covered, flexibility will be maintained...

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I recently announced that I have put a review of the current fiscal regime in motion and that my Department will shortly seek tenders to have independent experts assist in this review. Improvements to the fiscal terms will be examined in the context of the current Exploration & Production (E&P) industry climate, taking account of terms applied in other comparable jurisdictions. This process...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have examined the consultants' report on the implementation plan for the establishment of TG4 and have formulated my proposals, which I will circulate shortly to Government.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I recently launched a new ocean energy strategy, which aims to put Ireland at the forefront of ocean energy development and position us to capitalise on this resource. The strategy was developed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and the Marine Institute. As the first stage in implementing this strategy, we have recently upgraded the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre in UCC as well as...

Written Answers — Television Licence Fee: Television Licence Fee (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 343 and 344 on 25 April, 2006.

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (30 May 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 335 together. The Porcupine Basin and the Goban Spur both lie entirely within Ireland's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone and therefore the issue of entitlement does not arise. Ireland made a submission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to extend its continental shelf beyond 200 miles into the Porcupine Abyssal Plain area last...