Results 3,301-3,320 of 3,665 for speaker:Seán Power

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Seán Power: I wish to share time with Deputy Michael Ahern.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Seán Power: It is nice to have some agreement. When the Minister for Finance introduced his budget in October, there was little appreciation of the enormous task facing the country. As we head into the end of January, there is a much better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. We are experiencing a sharp economic downturn. As other Deputies have mentioned, it is occurring in most countries...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Seán Power: Several factors have contributed to the situation, many of which were external but some of which were of our own making and from which we must learn lessons. At this stage, the country needs a prescription, not a post mortem. The Taoiseach and his Government colleagues have entered negotiations with the social partners with a view to agreeing on the necessary medicine, not just for 2009,...

Energy Prices: Motion (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: My ministerial colleague, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has highlighted some of the measures the Government is taking to improve the competitiveness of the energy sector that will ultimately deliver lower electricity prices to consumers. I am sure that is something we will all work towards and can all agree with. It is important to examine some of the measures we are participating in at European...

Energy Prices: Motion (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: There were a number of factors at play.

Energy Prices: Motion (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: The regulator took a decision that was in the interest of consumers. There was much hype at the time and there was talk of oil going to $147 a barrel. People were tripping over themselves telling us how they predicted it would be €200 before the year was out. We all know what happened. We are hopeful that the downward trend in global fuel prices will be reflected in decreases this year....

Energy Prices: Motion (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: We are planning the roll-out of smart meters nationally. These meters are a tool that put the control of electricity demand directly into the hands of consumers. They will provide consumers with a means of monitoring and managing their demand. The programme also has the potential to change significantly the way in which many of the activities of the energy supply are undertaken, therefore...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: Recent scientific advice issued by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicated that the European eel fish stock is so depleted that it is now outside safe biological limits. Subsequently, the EU brought forward Council Regulation 1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel. The purpose of the Regulation is to put in place a...

Seanad: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: I am pleased to introduce the Gas (Amendment) Bill for the consideration of the House. The Bill proposes to increase the statutory borrowing limit of Bord Gáis Éireann from €1.7 billion to €3 billion. The enactment of this Bill will give Bord Gáis Éireann the legal ability to access funds to develop the strategic direction set out in its five-year corporate plan up to 2012 and...

Seanad: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: I apologise for not distributing it earlier. We will make it available and if it needs to be autographed or anything else, we will facilitate that as well. The Members of the House will be aware that Bord Gáis Éireann has a statutory mandate to provide a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient. Unfortunately, the requirement to deliver a network on an...

Seanad: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (3 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: I acknowledge the contributions of Members of the House. They have all supported the provisions of the Bill. Senators raised a number of matters that were also raised during the Dáil debate on the Bill, including issues pertaining to security of supply, costs, competitiveness and the extension of the gas network. Senator Burke spoke about the exclusion from the gas network of certain...

Leaders' Questions (4 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: We can see that on Deputy Kenny's face.

Energy Prices: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: No. That is not correct.

Energy Prices: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: Give us the facts. Do not make it up.

Energy Prices: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: It is not.

Written Answers — Regional Fisheries Boards: Regional Fisheries Boards (4 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: As part of the overall rationalisation of State agencies that the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2009, a new national inland fisheries body will be established which will replace the existing Central and regional fisheries boards. A restructuring implementation group has been established and is developing the key features and structures of the new model. Primary legislation will...

Written Answers — Central Fisheries Board: Central Fisheries Board (4 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: In compliance with European Council Regulation No.1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel, a draft Eel Management Plan was submitted to the Commission for approval. Given the critical status of the eel stock, as demonstrated in the assessment contained in the Eel Management Plan, a number of management measures have been identified as necessary to reach...

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (10 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: The North West Mayo Forum is an initiative involving the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and myself. It was established in November last following Government approval. The forum is chaired by Mr Joe Brosnan, a former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Forum has, as...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (10 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: As part of the overall rationalisation of State agencies that the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2009, a new national inland fisheries body will be established, which will replace the existing Central and regional fisheries boards. I have set an ambitious target for implementing the decision. A restructuring implementation group has been established and is developing the key...

Written Answers — Mine Rehabilitation: Mine Rehabilitation (10 Feb 2009)

Seán Power: The rehabilitation works at the Gortmore Tailings Management Facility are being carried out in phases. The first phase was commenced in July 2008 and successfully completed in December 2008 in accordance with the schedule and within the budget allocation. Associated reconstruction works to local roads are still ongoing. Design works for phase two are currently in progress and...