Results 3,521-3,540 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The building of transmission lines is an operational matter for EirGrid, as regulated by the Commissions for Energy Regulation (CER), along with the relevant planning authorities, and not one in which I have a function. The East-West and North-South Interconnector projects are of strategic national importance to Ireland and are key Government priorities. The Meath-Cavan and North-South...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focussed network of post offices. The Government's policy with regard to the future development of the postal service is to ensure Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In July 2008 I launched a consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband. This paper contained proposed policy actions in relation to optimal use of State assets, fibre connections to second level schools and new premises, strong regulation and innovative spectrum licensing, government investment, demand stimulation and evidence based research. The consultation period has now closed and my...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am regular contact with my EU colleagues at Energy Council meetings and other EU and international fora on the issues raised by the Deputy. Most recently, I had the opportunity to discuss these issues with colleagues at the Energy Council of 10 October. At that meeting political agreement was reached by Energy Ministers on the European Commission's Third Package of reforms for the...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The position in law is that the regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and BGÉ gas tariffs is the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions. I have no responsibility for setting these tariffs. The CER has a statutory duty to advise me as Minister on the development of the electricity and gas markets. I...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (29 Oct 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 and the Gas (Interim) Regulation Act 2002. I have no function in setting or regulating energy prices.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services including broadband and mobile telephony are, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. The relevant service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services including broadband and mobile telephony are, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. The relevant service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The downturn in the Irish advertising market is affecting RTÉ, and indeed, all other broadcasters. RTÉ is also funded by television licence fee revenue, which is channelled through the Vote of my Department. As recently announced, as part of Budget 2009, the 2009 TV licence provision for RTÉ is estimated at €209.7m.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: This debate allows us to address a crucial issue in a time of real change in our country. We must get three things right. We must get our finances in order, both in terms of our own budget and in terms of getting saner and sustainable lending going again; we must get real public sector reform; and we must then start to plot a path to economic recovery to allow us generate the wealth that...

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Finland invested in research and development and, in particular, education in order to map out a path to recovery. That is the model we should emulate and we are well placed to do so——

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: ——particularly in the context of our research and development budget.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am totally committed to working with my colleagues, including Deputy Gogarty, others in government, and Members across the Chamber to create the right financial environment to allow us to invest in education.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Such an investment is crucial and it can be delivered in the two to three-year framework within which we must operate.

Written Answers — Price Increases: Price Increases (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Charges determined by the bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are a matter for those bodies, and the issue of tax is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The following price increases apply for 2008: Inland Fishery Licences for 2008 were increased 4.8%, over the 2007 rates. Fees chargeable for Petroleum Authorisations were increased by 4.9% for 2008 over 2007 levels....

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Broadcasting Bill 2008 is currently at Second Stage in Dáil Éireann having been passed by Seanad Éireann on 25 June 2008. The criteria for the appointment of members to the various boards established under the Bill are set out in Parts 2 and 7 of the Bill. Specifically, sections 8, 9 and 12 deal with appointments to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, while sections 81, 82, 83 and...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Section 20(4) of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 (as qualified by section 65 of the Broadcasting Act 2001) and section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act 1988 provide that broadcasters cannot accept advertisements that are directed towards any religious or political end or have any relation to an industrial dispute. The prohibition on religious advertising does not prevent...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (4 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The operation of ESB stations is a day-to-day matter for the company and not one in which I have a function. Prior to the introduction of the Single Electricity Market (SEM) on 1 November 2007, information relating to the operation of generating stations was subject to confidentiality agreements between generating companies and EirGrid as the Transmission System Operator. Following the...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (4 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Encouraging a competitive, least cost energy supply is a key policy objective for the Government. Substantial improvements in the energy efficiency of the electricity sector have taken place since 1990 with the addition of more efficient plant and improvements in infrastructure. There is scope however, for further enhancement. The forthcoming National Energy Efficiency Action Plan will...

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (4 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Seán Power, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is responsible for the statutory functions of the Minister in the areas of: Exploration and Mining; Petroleum Affairs; the Geological Survey of Ireland; the Ordnance Survey Ireland; Inland Fisheries. In addition, the Minister of State is responsible on a non-statutory basis for issues...