Results 3,681-3,700 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and Bord Gáis Éireann (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. I note yesterday's announcement by the CER of its Phase 2 decision on ESB and BGÉ tariffs,...

Written Answers — Electricity Interconnector: Electricity Interconnector (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The East-West Interconnector is a 500 MegaWatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and Britain. This project is of vital strategic importance to Ireland and its delivery to schedule by 2012 is a key Government priority. The East West Interconnector will significantly enhance security of supply and will facilitate increased...

Written Answers — Greener Homes Scheme: Greener Homes Scheme (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Greener Homes Scheme, since its launch in March 2006, has provided support for home owners investing in renewable energy heating technologies. The scheme has been modified over that period, supported by appropriate budgetary allocations year on year. Phase III continues to support the installation of a range of technologies in existing homes. Demand trends under the scheme continue to...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, was appointed as the Preferred Tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) on 25 November 2008, following an open tender process using the "competitive dialogue" procurement process. As regards the accuracy of the mapping for the scheme, a comprehensive mapping process has been undertaken. This process involved: contacting service providers for details...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 114 together. The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 puts in place a flexible framework for the licensing of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) into the future. The Act provides for the establishment of a free to air DTT service to replace the existing analogue terrestrial services offered by RTÉ, TG4 and TV3. The Act also provides for the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Under phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) 27 MANs are available to customers from eNet which is operating, managing and maintaining the networks on behalf of the State under a 15 year concession agreement. Under Phase II of the MANs Programme, 58 of a total of 60 MANs covering 64 towns have been completed during 2007 and 2008. Construction of the remaining two networks will be...

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Warmer Homes Scheme is overseen by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), and is targeted at households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit. The Warmer Homes Scheme will install cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, a boiler lagging jacket, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. There is free entry to the market. Prices at the pump reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. Price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy and it is a matter for retailers to...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Government has not considered the issue of possible purchase of eircom infrastructure. The issue of whether this infrastructure would be offered for sale is a matter for eircom, under the Government's telecommunications infrastructure strategy the private sector has primary responsibility for the development of such infrastructure. There are a number of infrastructure providers of which...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 385 to 387, inclusive, together. In 2007, the latest year for which published dated is available, electricity from renewable energy resources contributed 9.4% of electricity consumed. The contribution by resource was 6.7% wind, 2.2% hydro and 0.5% biomass. These technologies harness indigenous energy sources thereby reducing our dependency on imports....

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services including broadband services is, 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 broadband market is a fast moving and dynamic one; this applies to all OECD countries....

Written Answers — Electric Car Industry: Electric Car Industry (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113 and 378 together. Following on from the recent Government decision to establish an inter-departmental/agency group to look at deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland, it was agreed that my Department would oversee the group. All relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Transport, and agencies are represented on the group. The...

Written Answers — Seirbhísí Poist: Seirbhísí Poist (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Mhol an Bord um Thionscnamh na bPostchód Náisiúnta i 2006 go dtabharfaí isteach cineál postchód bunaithe ar litreacha agus uimhreacha le haghaidh earnáil na bpost ach ní bunaithe ar an gcóras Sasanach. Measadh go mbeadh sé ar an tslí dob oiriúnaí mar nach gcuireann sé iallach ar bhaill den phobal malairt a chur ar leagan amach na seoltaí atá acu agus mhol an Bhord na...

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 122 and 125 together. Exploration for oil and gas, both onshore and offshore, is carried out under licence by my Department. Details of authorisations in place are published on my Department's website. Most of the exploration activity is carried out offshore where there are currently 24 Exploration Licences in place, along with five Licensing Options...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have attended six meetings of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The corporate structure of eircom, which is a private company, is a matter for that company subject to appropriate engagement taking place with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) on any regulatory issues that might arise. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions. More generally, the EU Commission's proposals for reform of the legislative framework for the...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: While the issue of emissions levels at Moneypoint Generating Station is, in the first instance, a day-to-day management matter for the company, I have included with this reply, at Table 1, details of the annual CO2 emissions from Moneypoint Generating Station for the period 2005-2007. These emission levels have been verified in accordance with the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme Directive and...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: EirGrid, as the State body responsible for the national transmission system, is working to deliver the necessary upgrading and expansion of the transmission grid in the interests of the economy and regional development. I welcome the call by EirGrid's Chief Executive for collective engagement by all stakeholders in meeting the challenges inherent in delivering vitally needed new transmission...

Written Answers — Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. Retail prices reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. I would advise the Deputy that the National Consumer Agency, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and...

Written Answers — Fuel Poverty: Fuel Poverty (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Fuel Poverty Action Research Project was established by Combat Poverty and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to inform public policy on the merits of domestic energy efficiency programmes. The project involves an integrated and systematic ex-post assessment of the energy, environmental, thermal comfort and health benefits of the SEI-administered Warmer Homes Scheme, which retrofits low...