Results 3,781-3,800 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 86, 121 and 161 together. The development of an Irish biofuels market and the increased development and deployment of bio-energy resources in Ireland is a key priority. Biofuels and biomass strategies are critical components of the Government's energy policy objective to significantly enhance the contribution of renewable energy sources to the electricity,...

Written Answers — Aquaculture Development: Aquaculture Development (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: It has not been possible to provide a comprehensive answer to the Deputy within the time available. This matter goes back a number of years and to fully respond to the Deputy's question will require further examination of the detailed records held in my Department and possible consultation with third parties. I am, however, arranging to have the matter comprehensively examined and I will...

Written Answers — Geological Survey: Geological Survey (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Earlier this year, the Geological Survey of Ireland, in cooperation with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, published a new 1:500,000 bedrock geology map of the island of Ireland. This map takes into account new information acquired by both surveys over recent years arising, for example, from ongoing surveying of the island, major infrastructural developments and drilling. The map is...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, telephone and mobile phone services is a matter in the first instance, for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. As regards the deployment of broadband infrastructure, it has been clear for some time...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Television Without Frontiers Directive, which was first adopted in 1999 and updated in 1997, aims to create the conditions necessary for the free movement of television broadcasts within the European Community. The development and application of digital technologies, combined with other developments in the broadcasting markets, are changing the reality of European broadcasting. To...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have issued no policy directions to An Post, either directly, or through the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in recent times in relation to the development of the postal services. An Post operates within a regulatory framework as enshrined in EU and Irish law and therefore, the universal service obligation, which includes nationwide postal delivery requirements, is a...

Written Answers — Energy Supply: Energy Supply (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Security of supply in relation to electricity in Ireland is the statutory responsibility of the independent Regulator, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The independent Transmission System Operator (TSO), EirGrid, monitors the adequacy of generation capacity over time and reports to the CER accordingly. I am advised by the CER that the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER),...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: In April 2005 a team of advisers was engaged to examine the potential for enhancing and augmenting existing State owned infrastructure. This team submitted a Feasibility Report in December 2005. The report found that, while technically feasible, there would be considerable financial, legal, regulatory, operational and organisational challenges in harnessing and enhancing the existing State...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 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. It is accurate to say that the Irish broadband market is currently ranked lower than more developed markets in terms of broadband take-up....

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware of the importance of the roll out of broadband in rural areas and smaller communities. The most recent phase of the group broadband scheme, which provides grant aid for the installation of broadband in rural areas, has closed. However, the nature of the scheme is currently being reviewed in the context of options being considered for the achievement of nationwide broadband....

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have no function in this matter. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Private sector companies' investment proposals are matters for those companies.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 99, 125 and 164 together. The telecoms market in Ireland is fully liberalised and open. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of the 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 — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: There is no such proposal on the table. The Green Paper on Energy Policy has articulated the need to enhance competition in the electricity market as an immediate priority. Structural change to deliver meaningful competition and reduction of market power in generation are clearly signalled as key objectives. The strategies to deliver this are being developed in the context of the consultation...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 97 and 178 together. 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. The role of Government is to implement regulatory and infrastructure policies to...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 389 together. I am working with all relevant Ministerial colleagues including the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Minister for Transport to ensure a fully cohesive national strategic approach to delivering on energy efficiency objectives both in terms of EU obligations and directions as well as...

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 123, 138 and 143 together. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the licensing regime under which offshore exploration companies operate in this country. Indecon International Economic Consultants Indecon has been engaged to assist my Department in this regard and is due to report to my Department by the end of this month. I have had...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 145 and 425 together. A number of innovative alternative energy programmes are in place as part of a €65m initiative announced last year. The programme is being rolled-out over a five year period and provides funding for the domestic, commercial, services and industrial sectors as follows: The €27m 'Greener Homes' domestic renewable heat grants...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 158 together. Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection, development and improvement of inland fisheries rests with the central and regional fisheries boards. Funding is allocated directly to each fisheries board from the vote of my Department. These funds are applied by the fisheries boards towards...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The matter of post office closures is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of the company and one in which I have no function. According to An Post the number of Post Offices that have been closed in the past five years stands at 211. The number of Post Offices converted to postal agencies in the same period stands at 279. One new Post Office opened during this...

Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (21 Nov 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The timeframe for considering foreshore lease and licence applications depends on a number of factors, including the precise nature of the activity proposed, the observations from expert consultees and issues arising from the public consultation process. The Foreshore Acts do not provide for appeals against decisions on foreshore lease and licence applications, and there are currently no...