Results 3,401-3,420 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (21 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 511 together. I do not have statutory responsibility to impose any particular measures across the public service in relation to the data stored on laptops, blackberries and other portable devices. In relation to my own Department, it employs layered network defences including intrusion detection systems, multiple firewalls, web content filtering,...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (21 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 509, 510 and 516 together. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007. There have been no instances of early retirement by staff in the Department.

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (21 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) collects and publishes energy statistics to support policy analysis and development in line with national needs and international obligations. SEI has provided the data set out in the following table on the amount of electricity generated by fossil fuel generating plants and the amount of related CO2 emissions per megawatt hour for each of the past ten years....

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (21 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) collects and publishes energy statistics to support policy analysis and development in line with national needs and international obligations. The information they have provided on the amount of electricity generated by natural gas generating plants here for each of the past ten years is set out in the following table: Electricity Generation from Gas (gross)...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (21 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007. From June 2007 to 17 October 2008, there has been 5,598 sick leave days taken by staff. Of that total, 3,143 were attributable to staff on long-term sick leave, some of whom no longer work in the Department. This leaves a remainder of 2,455 actual sick leave days taken by staff or an average of 7 days...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (21 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 517 together. The management of staff resources and related matters within the State Agencies is a day to day operational matter for the agencies themselves. I have no function in that regard.

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Government is about the allocation of scarce resources. We are at a time of increasing scarcity in our financial resources. I believe it is right for us to try to direct those scarce resources to those with the least means. I very much apologise for the fear and hurt that was caused last week.

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I do. However, we need to get agreement and certainty on a fundamental issue. Was it right for us to have a scheme when we have scarce resources that have to be allocated, where someone gets a payment of some €660 while someone else, the same age, but in different circumstances is given €160?

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Deputy Liz McManus, in Opposition at the time, in fairness said——

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: ——GPs were awarded three or four times as much to pay for one group of medical card holders and that this could create an incentive to attract GPs out of areas of deprivation. Deputy McManus said it was inequitable and——

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: ——she was right. It was appropriate for us in Government, when we have a decision to make around scarce resources, to address that fundamental unfairness.

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The scheme we have ended up with will not satisfy everyone, and I have said I regret very much the insecurity and fear that has occurred. Nobody in politics ceases to be unpopular, but sometimes in Government unpopular decisions have to be taken.

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The House has a choice tonight to make a real difference between what we all know, in all fairness, is right and what is popular.

Medical Cards: Motion (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I believe that if we do what is right, fundamentally we will give people the confidence that we can manage our way through what will be a time of real scarcity where we have to manage our resources.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I announced earlier this year the introduction of a new support programme to grant-aid a series of 50 or so micro-scale wind and photovoltaic electricity generating projects suitable for use in both domestic and commercial locations. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which is administering the scheme, has recently completed consultations with industry stakeholders on micro scale devices and...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 197 together. My Department has reached the evaluation stage of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process. The evaluation of bids is scheduled for completion shortly and the contract is expected to be signed next month. In order to protect the integrity of the procurement process, the financial information relating to the Scheme will...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Budget 2009 includes a €20m allocation for the national roll-out of the Home Energy Savings Scheme. The specific mechanisms and eligibility details of the programme will be defined shortly.

Seanad: Broadband Infrastructure Bill 2008: Second Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I welcome the opportunity to discuss this Broadband Infrastructure Bill as initiated by Senator Ross. I commend him on allowing us the opportunity to discuss a crucial infrastructure for the future of our country. I regret that I cannot accept the Bill or support it. While I very much agree with the ambitions set out in the legislation and the ambition that Ireland sets itself to have the...

Seanad: Broadband Infrastructure Bill 2008: Second Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It grabbed me that Senator Ross proposed such a mechanism.

Seanad: Broadband Infrastructure Bill 2008: Second Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The alternative would be to return to the days of the Department of Post and Telegraphs where the Minister would have a direct hand in who does and does not get a telephone. While there have been many developments in recent years I would question, I am not sure we should return to the days to the Department of Post and Telegraphs to deliver vital infrastructure, especially one where there...