Results 2,921-2,940 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Fuel Prices. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The decision proposed by the Deputy is a short-term gimmick that does not address the fundamental problem.

Alternative Energy Projects. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Government is firmly committed to the sustainable development and deployment of bio-fuels in line with the EU commitments agreed by the European Council in March 2007. We have committed to achieving a target of 5.75% market penetration by 2010, in accordance with the current EU bio-fuels directive and Commission proposals in this area. We have also committed to achieving 10% market...

Alternative Energy Projects. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I hope and plan to have the consultation paper prepared in July this year. There will be a consultation process prior to any legislation being framed. We are very much driven by the proposals being developed in the European Union. This is an area where we as a small country cannot control world markets or the World Trade Organisation's negotiation rules in the area. We have to work with...

Alternative Energy Projects. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: My Department is looking at the details of that issue. It is an issue across the European Union because it is under the European emissions trading system that such windfall profit arises.

Alternative Energy Projects. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: We are looking at the proposal. There are difficulties involved.

Alternative Energy Projects. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am trying to answer the Deputy's question. There is only one country in the European Union which has progressed a proposal in that regard, that is Spain. It is running into legal difficulties with it, which is a constraint, but it is something that we are looking at with the regulator.

Alternative Energy Projects. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have to return to the fundamental principle I mentioned earlier. The way the Spanish are approaching this — and what Fine Gael proposes in this respect — is in terms of tax revenue, namely, that it would be taxed. Such tax yield would go back into the general tax revenue. My key point on this issue is that if we are raising any revenues, and it is not by any means certain or easy...

Mobile Telephony. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have no plans to issue a policy direction to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, on mobile termination charges. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding telephony charges, is the statutory responsibility of ComReg in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the regulations transposing the...

Mobile Telephony. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: One does not always need to issue policy directions to give one's views. There are three policy requirements in the development of our mobile networks. One needs an environment which helps companies invest. One needs innovation and services which facilitate the development of new innovative digital services that help the people. Deputy McHugh is right that we need services that are cheap,...

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 20 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, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure...

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The events since privatisation in 1999 have been unsatisfactory. The change of ownership of Eircom on a regular basis and the lack of investment, particularly between 2002 and 2004, are the reasons we are playing catch-up. It was the failure then to invest in broadband that put us down the league table. I said at the time that this was a bad business mistake because broadband will deliver...

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It is right for us to engage with all companies in the market. I have ongoing meetings with Eircom as well as BT and others.

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: No, I certainly hope it is not. We want to create an environment that supports investment in new networks. I would very much like to see such investment proposals progressed. However, I had to make a policy decision as to whether it is right for the State to make a direct investment in any one platform or technology. My assessment is that it is not right to do so. It is better to clarify...

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It is about all telecommunications companies and how we develop our broadband system.

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: No, I am not, I am saying that the State will not invest in one particular technology. As this is such a fast-changing technological area, it is better for the market to invest in particular technologies. The State must create the proper regulatory environment to support that but it is not appropriate for the State to become involved directly.

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Far from issuing a diktat, I find the Taoiseach's approach to be one of strategic thinking, good consideration and attention to detail and to the long-term interests of the Irish people. These broadband technologies are crucial to the economic and social development of our country. The recent ESRI medium-term review report shows that one of the main areas of growth will be in the...

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will check my information but I understand Thurles is included in the third phase of the MAN scheme. At the same time as it is intended to publish our next generation broadband report, I intend publishing the value for money report on the metropolitan area networks which assesses exactly the question asked by the Deputy. We must decide how these metropolitan area networks are used where...

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I refer the Deputy to the period 2002 to 2004 when the real failure happened. The development of the metropolitan area network concept came when there was clear market failure, when Eircom at the time was not investing in broadband connections. It was decided — with Fine Gael agreement — that an effort should be made to kick-start the market.

Telecommunications Services. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I was indeed. We co-wrote a report in Opposition. One of the points we made in the report was that the networks should be operated on an open access basis, which they are, but also they should be a collaborative development with existing fibre. We continue to review it and this is the reason the value for money report is crucial and will be published at the same time.

Energy Resources. (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 27 and 54 together. I will shortly launch the public consultation on the proposed bio-fuels obligation. The consultation process will enable all interested stakeholders to submit their views on the proposal. In that context, EU developments on bio-fuels policy in light of the emerging concerns in relation to sustainability will be fully factored in and...