Results 3,581-3,600 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (2 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which was established as a statutory agency in May 2002, implements a wide range of programmes on energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2005, SEI received funding of €16.151 million for its activities. This figure comprised a capital allocation of €10 million and a current allocation of €6.151 million. In all SEI paid out a total of...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (2 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Any future decision regarding the automation of post offices is a matter for the Board and Management of An Post and one in which I have no function. In relation to the status of the pilot project on automation, I understand that it was finalised at the end of September 2006. I understand that the company will now review the data and assess the impact of the trial at the offices concerned...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (2 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The status of ten staff of my Department has changed to that of disabled since they commenced employment in my Department.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (2 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Recent analysis undertaken by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Metering Options for Small Scale Renewable and CHP Electricity Generation has identified a number of areas requiring further work including the ability of such processes to secure adequate payment for their exports, a review of connection standards and processes for smaller generators, and the implications of the Single...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises: that ongoing volatility in energy prices is an EU wide problem with the EU being the largest importer and second largest consumer of energy in the world and that some Member States have substantial indigenous energy resources unlike Ireland; that natural gas and oil are...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I thank Fine Gael for tabling this motion, as it gives me an opportunity to educate Deputies of that party on recent developments in this Government's energy policies and to respond to their latest efforts to preach gloom and doom.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Fine Gael Deputies alluded to the loss of 34,000 jobs over the past few years, while ignoring the 90,000 new jobs which were created last year and the fact that we are heading for a similar figure this year.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: This Government is committed to creating the conditions to keep energy price rises to a minimum. We are committed to a strong, vibrant and competitive economy. While any increase in energy prices is unwelcome, these are primarily a function of an upward shift in global commodity prices, particularly in respect of oil and gas. They are also a result of our location and of our dependence on...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have suffered Opposition speeches for the past 40 minutes in an effort to glean at least one idea from the Fine Gael benches on energy policy.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: It is probably just as well that they did not agree to an all-party committee because they would not have much to offer.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: We are all in agreement that the continued success of the Irish economy can only be guaranteed if it is underpinned by sound energy policies. Fine Gael should not be playing political games with an issue critical to the well-being of our people, especially given that its Deputies know little about the issue.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: A recent programme of investment in the electricity networks has sought to address the need to meet ever increasing demands. Further investment is required in areas such as interconnection and will have to be paid for by the consumer or, indirectly, by the taxpayer. Ireland's main energy challenges are largely a consequence of its geographical situation. As an island on the western edge of...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Green Paper sets out the Government's priorities and forms a basis for consultation with the public and stakeholders. It aims to engender serious, constructive and structured debate on energy policy. The Government is open to considering all proposals for ensuring competitive, sustainable and secure supplies of energy to 2020 and beyond. The all-island energy market, which was not...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The all-island energy market will also serve as a stepping stone towards the development of European regional energy markets. To ensure that Ireland reaps the benefits in terms of competition and security of supply from market integration, the Government has committed to enhanced physical interconnection with our neighbouring energy markets. As a result of this policy, electricity...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Structural reform is necessary in the interests of the market, the consumer and the ESB. Enhanced competition in generation will act as a catalyst for improvements in operation and maintenance costs, productivity, availability, flexibility and innovation. The ESB's dominance in mid-merit price-setting generation increases the potential for abuse of market power and thereby does little to...

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: That party has suddenly discovered the new policy imperatives on regulation.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Was it aware of the world of regulation that existed?

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The sole mention of regulation is its wish to have a public transport regulator.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: On the one hand it wants to introduce more regulators and regulation and, on the other, suggests in the House tonight that we should sack the regulator we have. Turning to the two calls Fine Gael made on me, the Green Paper already provides for a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework after the single electricity market North and South is operational in 2007.

Energy Resources: Motion. (7 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: For the Deputy's information, he has only been in place for four years. The timing of the review is critical and it would be premature to carry it out before the arrival of the single electricity market and full identification of energy policy challenges and measures.