Results 3,361-3,380 of 3,665 for speaker:Seán Power

Electricity Price Regulation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: I cannot give a percentage but it will be reviewed as the market develops. At this stage it is not necessary to decide what the figure will be.

Electricity Price Regulation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: Of course it would but it was important to have these measures in place if we were going introduce competition. The regulator admitted in recent consultation papers its intention to withdraw from regulation when sufficient competition develops in the market. Competition is in its infancy and we will have to see how it grows. We are talking about 80,000 customers in a few weeks compared to...

Broadcasting Legislation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: The Broadcasting Bill 2008 proposes the establishment of a single content regulator, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, which will encompass the existing functions of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and any remaining content regulatory functions of the RTE Authority. In formulating the Bill consideration was given to the question of...

Broadcasting Legislation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: We gave that serious consideration and while a good case might be made for joining the two together, weighing up the pros and cons, it was decided that at this stage we would not amalgamate the two, but have two separate regulators. The forum on broadcasting, which was set up in 2002 and is the genesis for the current Broadcasting Bill, recommended what we are doing. It also recommended...

Broadcasting Legislation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: Looking at the experience of some other countries, Ofcom in the UK and the Australian communications and media authority are unitary organisations. Both have separate internal structures to deal with broadcasting content and telecommunications regulations.

Broadcasting Legislation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: At the same time they are separate and have separate internal structures.

Broadcasting Legislation. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: There can still be a sharing of resources, while making savings and having efficiencies between the two. At the moment we thought it was not the appropriate thing to do, but it is something we will keep under review.

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: The bio-fuels mineral oil tax relief schemes resulted in 18 projects being awarded excise relief for the years 2005 to 2010. The schemes were designed as an interim measure to enhance the level of bio-fuels in the fuel mix and to encourage the development of an indigenous bio-fuels industry. The Government's bio-energy action plan, which was published in 2007, made clear that a national...

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: Between schemes one and two there are four projects in the bioethanol category.

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: I will have to check that, but between both schemes there were four projects.

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: I will check and get a more specific answer to the Deputy's question. I must point out, however, that the mineral oil tax relief schemes for bio-fuels were introduced under which 18 projects were awarded excise relief until 2010.

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: There was always going to have to be imports. This is an interim measure, not a permanent solution. The US undercutting European and Irish companies made it difficult for the sector. Today, the Commission announced its decision to impose an anti-dumping duty on US biodiesel. While the regulation in question is long and complex, the bottom line is that some importing companies will be hit...

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: Plants have been built in Ireland. At European level, we have set a 10% target of renewable energy in transport by 2020. Bio-fuels will make a significant contribution to the achievement of that target. It will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as more evidence comes to light of the effects of bio-fuels on world food markets and as new technologies come on stream. This relief scheme was very...

Bio-fuel Industry. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: It is imperative the bio-fuels in Ireland are compliant with the EU sustainability criteria which will be used as the basis when drafting the legislation.

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: The Minister recently launched the microgeneration programme, which is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme will provide up to 4,000 domestic customers investing in microscale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid. It will also enable two way metering to be installed without additional charge to the...

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: I am glad the Deputy welcomes the scheme. We have worked with the energy regulator and the ESB in developing the scheme. It is in its early stages but has the potential for enormous development. With the current difficult economic times, people are looking for new opportunities. This is one area that could present opportunities for families across the country. On the cost, it should be...

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: I do not agree that Ireland is poorly positioned.

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: We are embarking on a process which probably should have commenced 20 or 30 years ago. However, it is not possible to turn back the clock. We have made what will prove to be an attractive proposition to many farming households.

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: I do not have in my possession information relating to the prices charged in other countries. The price we are proposing was not plucked out of thin air. We devised the scheme in consultation with the regulator and the ESB and we are of the view that it will be quite attractive. It is only natural that changes will have to be made and the scheme will be reviewed on a regular basis. If the...

Departmental Bodies. (12 Mar 2009)

Seán Power: My Department is responsible for overseeing general policy and the State shareholder interest in a number of commercial state bodies, namely, the ESB, EirGrid, Bord Gáis Éireann, Bord na Móna, the INPC, RTE, TG4 and An Post. These bodies employ in the region of 23,300 people and had, according to the latest published figures, a total turnover of some €6.7 billion in 2007. They play a...