Results 2,681-2,700 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Seanad: Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I cannot accept the amendment because it could call into question the automatic forfeiture by the court of fishing gear under section 28(6)(b) on summary conviction for a second or subsequent offence. Only a court can convict for an offence, taking into account the circumstances of the case. Apart from the protections any fisherman has as a citizen of the State, if the Bill is enacted and a...

Seanad: Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Many provisions available to people are not put into all legislation passed by the House. Once a right is given, we do not keep rewriting it, as we would be left with unmanageable chunks of legislation. The amendment is unnecessary. Under current legislation, a Circuit Court judge is free to refer a point of law to the High Court by way of a case stated. If such a referral is not made, the...

Seanad: Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I thank the Senators for their co-operation in bringing the Bill to its conclusion. This Bill updates and consolidates sea-fisheries legislation dating back to 1959. When it is signed into law it will provide for the implementation of the requirements of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Bill signals the need for proper conservation and management of sea-fisheries. While some may suggest we...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Is é an Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2004 an Tuarascáil is deanaí atá foilsithe ag an Roinn. Tá an faisnéis atá á lorg ag an Teachta Dála le fáil sa tábla thios. Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2004 € Costais chlódóireachta 9,650 (míle cóip) Deartha 475 Leagan amach agus obair ealaíne 3,310 Leagan HTML agus leagan PDF don Tuarascáil...

Written Answers — Corrib Gas Pipeline: Corrib Gas Pipeline (28 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I intend to publish and to make copies of the final Advantica report on the safety of the Corrib gas pipeline available to members of the House in the near future.

Written Answers — Commemorative Events: Commemorative Events (28 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My diary is not finalised for the Easter period yet.

Written Answers — Energy Sector: Energy Sector (28 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware of varying energy costs within the European Union. I do not have any function in regard to the domestic pricing of electricity and gas, as this falls within the remit of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, the independent regulator for electricity and gas. The conditions for competition are being created through progressive liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets....

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (28 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 232, inclusive, together. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator. Broadband is currently available in Tuam. My Department's...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (29 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have asked my Department to check its records as regards any communication from the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, in respect of conditions, cost or other issues relating to the generation, supply or purchase of electricity from the Tynagh Energy Limited plant in County Galway. The outcome of that check will be communicated to the Deputy. The Department received some general...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator. It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at...

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

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator. It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (30 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Two employees of my Department were on suspension with pay on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005. It would not be appropriate to provide details of the cases concerned in view of their confidential nature.

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (4 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: In the last six months I have met An Post management twice to discuss various issues that relate to the safeguarding of shareholder interests. Additionally, officials in my Department continue to meet An Post management on a regular basis to discuss ongoing issues in the company.

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (4 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My responsibilities regarding An Post are as set out in the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 and in the memorandum and articles of the company. My responsibilities are also to ensure that the corporate governance guidelines for semi-State bodies are adhered to and that the shareholder interests in the company are protected. In accordance with the 1983 Act, I have appointed a...

Written Answers — Equal Opportunities Employment: Equal Opportunities Employment (4 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The policy in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance and a target of 3% has been set for such recruitment. Current data show that 5.4% of staff in my Department has a disability. As part of my Department's achieving potential through equality and diversity action plan 2004-2006 our goal is to maintain and...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (4 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, an operational issue for the service providers concerned. Second, responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the...

Written Answers — Digital Terrestrial Television: Digital Terrestrial Television (4 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: As proposals are developed for a national rollout of digital terrestrial television the question of possible analogue switch-off dates will be considered. When a decision has been taken on the timing of analogue switch-off, it will be necessary to ensure that all Irish viewers, including the elderly and people with disabilities, are provided with detailed information to assist them in the...

Written Answers — Parliamentary Questions: Parliamentary Questions (5 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble all the information requested. My Department is compiling the significant volume of data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Broadcasting Policy: Broadcasting Policy (25 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The television without frontiers directive provides that member states of the European Union may designate certain sporting and cultural events as being of major importance to society and that events so designated should continue to be available on a free television service. It is a matter for each individual member state to decide whether or not to draw up a list. In March 2003 the then...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (25 Apr 2006)

Noel Dempsey: In accordance with the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Public Service Obligations) Orders, public service obligations have been placed on the ESB regarding the availability of electricity produced using indigenous peat, electricity produced using renewable, sustainable or alternative forms of energy and electricity produced using peaking generation units. The orders provide for the recovery,...