Results 3,421-3,440 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: While there has been a general intention to prepare legislation to modernise the statutory basis for the operations of the Geological Survey of Ireland and a considerable amount of preparatory work has been done, a Bill has not yet been drafted, much less introduced. My Department is, separately, considering whether there is a case for converting the GSI from a division of the Department into...

Written Answers — Exploration Licences: Exploration Licences (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 104 together. The review is being conducted in two stages. The first is an analysis by my Department as follows: An evaluation of the current fiscal framework as an efficient means of increasing long term investment and revenue generation in the petroleum sector for the benefit of both the Irish State and investment from oil companies; A review of the...

Written Answers — Electricity Sector: Electricity Sector (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 42, 68 and 110 together. It has always been my view that the Deloitte report would stand as an important contribution to the wider debate on future energy policy directions. I decided therefore to publish the report in the context of the Green Paper when finalised and which was published on 1 October 2006. One of the main messages coming out of the...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Sector: Broadcasting Sector (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy, 2005– 2007. These objectives are: To create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTÉ. To secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting. To...

Written Answers — Electricity Sector: Electricity Sector (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and its Northern counterpart, NIAER, had set 1 July 2007 as the go-live date for the Single Electricity Market (SEM). However following extensive consultation with the transmission system operators and the industry, the regulators advised that the go-live date should be extended by four months to 1 November 2007. In August 2006, I accepted that...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive requires that member states submit their first Energy Efficient Action Plan (EEAP) by 30 June 2007. In formulating this plan, the necessary linkages will be established in order to ensure joined-up-government on the relevant issues.

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 74 together. As the Deputy may already be aware, RTÉ's statutory mandate, as defined in Section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that RTÉ's radio and television services shall be made available, in so far as is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the Island of Ireland. As such, RTÉ's statutory mandate does not extend to the...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My Department, the Commission for Energy Regulation, and relevant national players keep a close watch on developments, and potential developments, in international energy markets that may impact on the Irish market. This includes developments in the British wholesale gas market. Responsibility for monitoring the security of Ireland's natural gas supply lies with the Commission for Energy...

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have no plans for the regulation of the content of mobile phone products and services. The Office of the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecoms Services, RegTel, already authorises and supervises the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications services within the Irish market and is independent. RegTel does not report to me as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 57, 72, 94, 107 and 116 together. The telecoms market in Ireland is fully liberalised and open. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication sector rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations transposing the EU...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Security of supply in relation to electricity is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation in accordance with the provisions of Article 28 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 60 of 2005). Specifically, Article 28 provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to monitor the security of supply of electricity and that the...

Written Answers — Information and Communications Technology: Information and Communications Technology (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My Department, in consultation with the Department of Education and Science is currently considering the European Commission Report on the Use of Computers and the Internet in Schools. The development of ICT provision for primary and post-primary schools is, in the first instance a matter for the Department of Education and Science. My Department works closely with the Department of Education...

Written Answers — Energy Efficiency Plan: Energy Efficiency Plan (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Power of One campaign, which I launched on September 26th 2006, is a multi-annual, national awareness campaign focusing on energy efficiency and the benefits to consumers, the economy and the environment. Energy efficiency is a major priority of Irish and EU policy and The Power of One campaign has been created in the context of one single overriding objective — to achieve real and...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 82 together. The future of the post office network, post office closures and the availability of post office facilities in rural Ireland are a matter, in the first instance, for the board and management of An Post. This Government and the Board of An Post are committed to the objective of ensuring the continuation of a viable and sustainable nationwide...

Written Answers — Exploration Licences: Exploration Licences (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Deputy will be aware that there are two mechanisms for the issue of licences in the Irish offshore. The 'open door' system applies to areas which are more accessible and which include the Celtic Sea and the Irish Sea. Under this system applications may be made at any time. A number of applications for authorisations are on hand and are being processed by my Department. The 'Licensing...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The functions under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926-1988 for the investigating of interference were transferred from the Minister to the Communications Regulator (now ComReg) on its establishment in 1997. Accordingly I have no function regarding this matter.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg). Information regarding the availability of wireless broadband is, in the first instance, a matter for ComReg who have established a number...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: In July this year I established a new Ministerial Task Force on bio-energy, as part of the ongoing policy to increase the share of indigenous renewable energy in the Irish heat, electricity and transport markets. Its members include An Tánaiste, and the Ministers for Finance, Agriculture and Food, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Transport and Enterprise Trade and Employment. The...

Written Answers — Exploration Licences: Exploration Licences (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: There are currently thirteen offshore Petroleum Exploration Licences, two onshore Petroleum Exploration Licences and one offshore Reserved Area Licence. There are also twelve Licensing Options, all in offshore areas, which give the holder first right to an Exploration Licence over all or part of the area covered by the Option. I require the holders of these authorisations to undertake...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The licensing of local and Community radio is currently a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI). The BCI carries out its functions under the Radio and Television Act 1988. In this regard, the BCI is charged with the orderly development of sound broadcasting services and with ensuring the appropriate development of the sector. The legislative proposals contained in the draft...