Results 3,101-3,120 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I appreciate the variety of comments on this crucial issue. There is clear recognition across all parties that there is public interest in our reducing our consumption of alcohol; it is as simple as that. This can be achieved in part through a reduction in availability and advertising and through greater education on more responsible consumption of alcohol. The issue is cross-departmental...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: These are a series of what one might call procedural or textual amendments, each of which is designed to improve the process, rather than to alter fundamentally the policy objectives. I hope they can be agreed to.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The purpose of this amendment is to lengthen the time in respect of the right of reply. Hopefully, by increasing the period from ten to 21 days, which will give greater freedom to those making such a request, it will be sufficient to deal with the concerns raised in the House on this issue while, at the same time, ensuring the process moves sufficiently quickly to ensure the value is not...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: This is a similar amendment that tries to give a slightly longer time for people to apply the provisions.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: This is procedural in nature.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I considered the points put forward on Committee Stage in respect of amendment No. 53 and on reflection, I am of the opinion that the text of section 49(21)(l) and section 49(21)(m) essentially are intended to achieve the same purpose. As such, I propose, under amendments Nos. 51 and 52, to delete section 49(21)(m) entirely. As a consequence, I do not propose to accept amendment No. 53.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I wish to discuss these amendments as a group rather than individually. They are largely textual in nature and do not change the policy direction in any particular area.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I appreciate the comments and the like-minds on the continuation of a licence for seven years in the case of uncontested applications. With regard to amendment No. 108, section 134 provides that the BCI may extend by four years the terms of an FM sound broadcasting contractor, provided the sound broadcasting contractor concerned is willing to provide its sound broadcasting services on a...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I very much appreciate Senator O'Toole's comments. I am glad that we were able, through the discussions on Committee Stage, to improve the Bill in that regard. I will take into account what he said with regard to amendment No. 85 and the possibility of improving teletexting in the Irish language.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: We are seeking to take on board here some of the discussions on Committee Stage, particularly with regard to the commissioning of programmes from independent radio producers. Senators argued on Committee Stage that this be changed to a fixed percentage rather than a fixed amount, and such a percentage should result in a higher level of mandatory commissioning by RTE from independent radio...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am taking suggestions on board as the Bill progresses and I am sure there will be further amendments. I agree with Senator O'Toole that it is very important for us to recognise there are obligations on independent commercial broadcasters just as there are with public service broadcasters. Each broadcaster has access to a valuable public commodity in the spectrum which can be used in a...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: One of the directions we will have to give to any new authority is that with that public resource, the spectrum to broadcast and the ability to use that public owned asset, comes obligations to ensure we develop high standards. I am not saying individual journalists are not meeting the highest standards against the odds but it is important we set standards to ensure broadcasting can flourish...

Written Answers — Electricity Transmission: Electricity Transmission (26 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: On 8th April, 2008 I announced the appointment of international consultants Ecofys, by my Department, to undertake the independent study on the comparative merits of overhead electricity transmission lines versus underground cables. The consultants were appointed following a tender process launched on 29 February on the Government's eTenders website. The study was commissioned in response...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 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 widespread...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (26 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and BGÉ gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act. I have no function in setting these tariffs. The CER has publicly indicated that it expects the increases in international fuel prices to have a consequential impact on electricity and gas tariffs in the autumn....

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 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. Broadband can...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (26 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The following table sets out the breakdown of grants in aid in 2007 and to date in 2008 in my Department. Subhead Outturn in 2007 Expenditure to date in 2008 €m €m C.1 — Grant to Radio Telefís Éireann for Broadcasting Licence Fees 194.838 84.0000 C.3 — Broadcasting Commission of Ireland 3.810 3.8000 C.4 — Deontas i Leith Theilifís na Gaeilge 31.897 8.1378 D.1 — Energy...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I expect to publish the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks Programme and the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks in early July 2008.

Written Answers — National Gas Grid: National Gas Grid (26 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together. Since 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. In 2006, CER...

Written Answers — Compliance Costs: Compliance Costs (1 Jul 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In March last the Government decided that the administrative burden of regulations and business should be cut by 25%. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is charged with coordinating and monitoring progress by each Department. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently finalising the approach and methodology to implement the Government...