Results 2,581-2,600 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 111 together. The processing of applications for connections to the electricity network is a matter for ESB Networks or EirGrid in the first instance. Any dispute in relation to connection requests and decisions, including the processing of Gate Three applications, are matters for the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no statutory function in...

Written Answers — European Council Meetings: European Council Meetings (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The EU Commission published its third internal energy market legislative package in September 2007, which aims to further liberalise EU electricity and gas markets. A fundamental feature of this package is the Commission proposal for the full and effective separation of supply and production activities from transmission ownership and operations in both the electricity and gas sectors. At...

Written Answers — Electricity Transmission Network: Electricity Transmission Network (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 108 together. The Programme for Government reaffirms the commitment in the Energy Policy White Paper to the transfer of ownership of the electricity transmission network assets from ESB to EirGrid by end 2008. The Government has also reaffirmed that we will keep the electricity and gas networks as strategic national assets in state ownership and these...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Broadband services are provided in the Irish market by the private sector, with appropriate regulation from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The role of Government is to ensure that the appropriate regulatory regime is in place and to also invest directly in the case of market failure such as the proposed National Broadband Scheme. The latest figures from the OECD show...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I wish to inform the Deputy that the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), already has enforcement powers under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003, as amended, concerning eircom's performance in relation to the provision of its universal service obligations. ComReg may specify...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am firmly committed to the development of micro-generation in line with the Programme for Government and the Energy Policy White Paper. Work is ongoing to provide for a distributed grid connection system to encourage the development of micro-scale renewable power supplies and the introduction of smart electricity meters which can facilitate exports of electricity to the network from...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In September 2006 the draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative. The essential elements of the draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill included: The establishment of a single content regulator for commercial,...

Written Answers — Electricity Transmission Network: Electricity Transmission Network (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Management of industrial relations within ESB is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of the company. I am aware of the ballot undertaken by a number of the unions within ESB last November. I am also aware of recent comments from a representative of one of the constituent unions with regard to Smart Metering. My Department is continuing to monitor the situation...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Energy White Paper sets out over 200 policy actions, measures, goals and targets that are designed to deliver on security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness over the period to 2020. We are making fundamental changes to the way we provide and use energy. Ireland's sustainable energy future depends on it. The Programme for Government underlines the imperative to secure long...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The statistics in relation to reliance on energy imports underline the imperative for contingency planning but crucially underline the imperative need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The Government is committed to delivering on our targets for the accelerated development of renewable energy in the electricity, heating and transport sectors which will progressively reduce our...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 109 and 129 together. 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...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I intend for RegTel to be under the aegis of ComReg and details of this will be outlined in the Broadcasting Bill which I will present to the House in the coming months.

Written Answers — Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory Bodies (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Programme for Government includes a commitment to instigate a Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment. An Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and including a representative from my Department, has been tasked by the Government with advancing work in this area. An independent review is being commissioned by that Group to address the need for stronger...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have no plans to extend the universal services obligation to broadband. However, the widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The UK Government is planning to close down analogue broadcasting services in Wales in 2009 and replace them with digital broadcasting services. When the analogue services are switched off, TV viewers in the South East of Ireland who currently receive UK channels through overspill, will lose reception of these analogue channels. TV viewers will, of course, continue to receive the Irish...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I hold regular meetings with the Minister for Transport and his department officials at which various issues are discussed including those related to the impact of energy on climate change policy.

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 119 together. The National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) presented its recommendation as to the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation, promotion and maintenance plan. A proposal concerning the introduction of postcodes went to Government in May 2007 and...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 125 together. The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (12 Mar 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Any future decisions in relation to the development of additional energy storage will be informed by analysis by EirGrid and ESB, research and development as necessary and the views of the Commission for Energy Regulation, taking into account the findings of the All-Island Grid Study and the needs of the energy sector.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2008)

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. There are still some parts of the country where the...