Results 2,301-2,320 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: There are no applications awaiting approval in my Department in relation to Biofuels. Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes were launched by my Department in 2005 and 2006 resulting in 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. The planned introduction of a Biofuels Obligation by 2009, will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has, to date, received 76 applications in the wind category of the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) support scheme, all of which have been processed and approved.

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Deputy will be aware that in August of this year I announced revised licensing terms for oil and gas exploration and production. The decision to revise the fiscal licensing terms followed an independent review that included a comparative analysis of eight other exploration areas. That review had regard to energy prices, water depths, operating and capital costs, along with the key...

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: During 2007, two finds were made in the North Celtic Sea Basin off the south coast. Island Oil and Gas Limited encountered gas at the Schull prospect in block 57/2, while Providence Resources Limited identified an oil accumulation at the Hook Head prospect in block 50/11. In addition, Island Oil and Gas Limited successfully appraised its 2006 Old Head gas discovery in block 49/23. There...

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In the context of the development of broadcasting policy my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests, including RTÉ, that comprise the broadcasting sector including but not limited to commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 422, 425 and 426 together. I understand from the developers, Shell E&P Ireland Ltd, that they expect that first gas will be available in late 2009. I would add, however, that completion of development works by the developer is clearly the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. At peak production the Corrib Gas Field has the potential to...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The 2007 Winter Outlook Report was published by EirGrid in August last. Based on their analysis and on detailed engagement with each of the power generators, EirGrid forecast that electricity generating capacity will be sufficient to meet demand this winter. This is in line with EirGrid's previous medium-term generation adequacy forecasts. Since August, EirGrid has provided regular updates...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, 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 widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (19 Dec 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Government's decentralisation programme provides for the relocation of my Department's headquarters to Cavan and the relocation of two bodies under its aegis, namely Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to Dundalk and the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) to Carrick-on-Shannon. 43 staff members from my Department have relocated as an advance party to Cavan and of these, 38 were originally based...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Renewable energy generators, North and South, are operating within the Single Wholesale Electricity Market on the island, which was established on 1 November 2007. In relation to support mechanisms for renewable energy, it is the case that the two jurisdictions operate different schemes. The support mechanism for new renewable energy powered projects in the electricity market in Ireland is...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Salmon Hardship Scheme is being administered by BIM. I have no role in operating the scheme or information about individual applications. The closing date for making a claim from the scheme was 31 December 2007 and I understand payments are ordinarily made within a six-week period of submission of a valid claim.

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1422 and 1423 together. The introduction of a charge for tags for salmon harvested for commercial and recreational purposes in the Foyle catchment during the 2008 season is a proposal introduced by the Loughs Agency in the context of the future management of the wild salmon fishery following cessation of the mixed stock harvest at sea. The proposal was...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1424, 1428, 1432 and 1433 together. EU law on the promotion of renewable energy resources in the electricity market (Directive 2001/77/EC), precludes member states from defining electricity from energy storage systems as "renewable energy sourced electricity". It is not possible, therefore, to amend domestic legislation to give priority dispatch to...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Details of broadband services available throughout the country are available on my Department's Broadband website...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1427 and 1463 together. It is a matter for market players to bring forward proposals for new dispatchable plants in the competitive electricity generation market. Under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for the issue of licences to generate electricity and authorisations to construct...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in respect of pricing of these services. To date, under the Schools Broadband Programme, 3,850 of the...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am advised that EirGrid's Ancillary Services currently pay for the services needed for operating reserve, reactive power and black start which are essential for system security. These services are an operational matter for EirGrid as the State Body responsible for system security and generation adequacy. EirGrid informs me that operating reserve arises in the event of a loss of output from...

Written Answers — Advertising Standards: Advertising Standards (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Section 19(1)(c) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland shall, upon being directed by the Minister to do so, prepare a code specifying standards to be complied with, and rules and practices to be observed, in respect of advertising, tele-shopping material, sponsorship and other forms of commercial promotion employed in any broadcasting service or...

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (30 Jan 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The results of the research component for the Waterford Initiative will be available in summer 2008. The research is assessing the effectiveness of the delivered interventions in addressing fuel poverty, the bulk of which were carried out during 2007.