Results 2,041-2,060 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 342, inclusive, together. The provision of broadband services is primarily a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I would draw the Deputy's attention to the reply I gave to Questions Nos. 530 and number 531 which he tabled in this House on 2 October last and to subsequent correspondence.

Written Answers — Conflicts of Interest: Conflicts of Interest (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: None of the Advisers appointed by me since I took up my appointment as Minister has declared a conflict of interest to date. Furthermore, my Department has no record of any conflict of interest declaration made by any of the Advisers appointed by previous Ministers assigned to my Department in the past five years.

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The table herewith contains details of the private consultancy firms engaged by my Department to date in 2007, including the project on which they were engaged and the cost to date. The engagement of consultants by State agencies is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies and I have no function in that regard.

Written Answers — Complaints Procedures: Complaints Procedures (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has in place a Customer Charter and a Customer Service Action Plan, which sets out the procedure to be followed when a member of the public wishes to make a complaint. In the region of 250 to 300 customer queries and complaints are received annually by the Customer Service Manager. The majority of these relate to services supplied by agencies under the aegis of my Department...

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available it has not been possible to identify and assemble all of the information requested. I will revert to the Deputy when I am in a position to issue a final reply.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (21 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department is very focused on delivering efficiency in the way it conducts its business. In line with this, my Department reviews all costs in relation to goods, utilities and services that we procure, on a structured basis. My Department is also engaged in the Value for Money and Policy Review Initiatives process, the objective of which is to review programme expenditure on an ongoing...

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this matter. The role of this House is to give time to issues and go into detail on them which may not be easily addressed in a legislative discussion. The broad issues of climate change and energy security which we address today are worthy of our time, attention and discussion. This debate is timely. The price of oil peaked at approximately $100 per...

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I will come to the energy conservation programme, but, first, I want to set out the broad facts of the issue. The reason scientists set the tipping point at 2° is because going beyond this could induce catastrophic effects which could cause the deaths of millions of people but also because of the danger that going beyond this would cause a runaway catastrophic effect such as the melting of...

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I do not agree it is not my responsibility. Everybody has responsibility.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: No. I supported it in Opposition as well. They are part of the Kyoto mechanisms and I support the Kyoto mechanisms.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Not yet.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Deputy's party supports the interconnector.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My recollection is that at that time the Deputy's party spokesperson, like myself, supported the case for greater interconnection because——

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: It was clear at the time it would involve overground 400 KV cables.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In March.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Indeed, but the——

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: At the same time, an Oireachtas report to the joint committee stated there is no health effect.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: No one is ramming it down anyone's throat. All parties agreed we should have interconnection to the north east, including the Deputy's party, and instructed EirGrid as such. EirGrid is carrying out every party's desire in that regard.

Climate Change and Energy Security: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I would like to answer that point. As Minister, I am in charge and I have every confidence in the State's ability to deliver projects safely for the benefit of all the people.