Results 3,001-3,020 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 May 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, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Details of broadband suppliers, prices and locations throughout the country are available on www.broadband.gov.ie. The role of the...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, which is the wholly State-owned company responsible for operating the electricity transmission system, including the wholesale electricity trading system. EirGrid delivers connections, transmission and market services to generators, suppliers and customers, using the high voltage electricity...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) is making significant progress in achieving the major targets set out in its development plan. The DHDA contains 96 digital media companies, employing 727 full time highly skilled staff and a further 250 contract workers. The companies generate spending of €45M in salaries per year. The DHDA manages 10 operational office buildings totalling...

Written Answers — Commission for Communications Regulation: Commission for Communications Regulation (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: During the lifetime of the Electronic Communications Appeals Panel (ECAP) one Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) decision was overturned. The Deputy will be aware that regulations were made amending the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2003 with effect 13 June 2007. The effect of the amending regulations was to...

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The developers of the Corrib Gas Project, Shell E & P Ireland Ltd, have stated their expectation that first gas will be available in the second half of 2009. Completion of the development works by the developers is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas.

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (29 May 2008)

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

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Net metering, in the electricity market, requires that participating generators can access electricity meters which record both imports and exports of electricity or, at a minimum, meters which offset electricity imported by individual customers against volumes of electricity exported to the electricity system from the same property. Traditional electricity meters do not record or offset the...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The contribution by renewable energy sources to electricity consumption will be in the region of 9.5% for 2007. This copper-fastens a continuing year-on-year increase in electricity consumption from renewable energy sources.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 May 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, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Details on broadband availability throughout the country are available on www.broadband.gov.ie. The role of Government is to ensure...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (29 May 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have no statutory function in relation to these matters. Matters relating to post office closures and quality and levels of postal service are a matter in the first instance for the management and Board of An Post. In addition, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is responsible under the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002 for monitoring quality of...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 May 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, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Details of broadband suppliers, prices and locations throughout the country are available on www.broadband.gov.ie. The role of the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of the emergency call answering service has been put out to tender. The closing date for receipt of tenders was in December 2007. The bids are currently being evaluated and it is expected that I will be in a position to announce the results shortly.

Written Answers — Departmental Projects: Departmental Projects (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: While I am generally in agreement with the views expressed by the Senators who tabled these amendments, I believe many of the issues are already dealt with in the Bill. For example, in regard to amendment No. 1, section 42 requires that the broadcasting authority of Ireland prepare codes governing the standards and practices to be observed by broadcasters. In particular, section 42(2)(g)...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Yes.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Such regulations already exist as administered by the broadcasting authority of Ireland, BCI and such codes have been developed, particularly in respect of children's advertising codes. The Bill allows for a continuation of that system. In this case, the broadcasting authority of Ireland would be responsible for the design, monitoring and implementation of such codes. We have strengthened...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I do not propose to accept amendments Nos. 2 and 104 at this time. The text as published in the Bill is standard language. I am happy to review the text in consultation with the Parliamentary Counsel prior to Report Stage. I do not propose to accept amendment No. 3 as no such generic provision was included when drafting the Bill as it was intended to allow the requirements to go further in...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I very much recognise the bona fides and the motives behind the amendment and the Senator's interest in the area. I am examining innovate new ways of appointing authorities and it is important to get the balance right between various considerations. It is appropriate for the Minister of the day to have an appointment facility to boards. He or she does not have to appoint the entire board...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: If I can return to the point made by Senator O'Reilly before going on to deal with the other amendments, the issue here is whether this process will improve the quality of members we get for our boards. In the absence of a real veto, which is not being proposed here, I fear that such a vetting process could be something that might only restrict good candidates from coming forward. It would...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I hear what the Senator is saying and perhaps this is something we can come back to on Report Stage. The Senator suggests there should be a check in place, perhaps in the context of the Committee of Public Accounts or within the structures set out here, in terms of the Minister determining an annual cap. Either way, Senator O'Reilly argues that some sort of external check or reporting...