Results 4,141-4,160 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: When the Deputy is in a hole, he should stop digging.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Ireland's bio-fuels obligation will be introduced in 2009 and I intend to embark on extensive consultations with relevant sectors over the coming months about its implementation. The details of the measure must be carefully drafted to maximise the benefit to the economy and the environment. The public consultation will, therefore, include discussions with the traditional fuel and emerging...

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: These reports will set targets to 2020 for renewable energy in the heat, transport and electricity sectors and will provide a roadmap for future policy development.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The introduction of the obligation follows the successful roll-out of two bio-fuels mineral oil tax relief schemes in 2005 and 2006.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Under these schemes, almost €220 million in excise relief is being provided over six years for a range of bio-fuel projects. The projects range in size and structure and include bio-diesel, bio-ethanol and pure plant oil projects.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Eight projects were successful in the first scheme, and 16 were selected under the second scheme. Significant volumes of bio-fuels are already coming on stream in the fuel market. For example, ConocoPhillips at the Whitegate refinery, has already commenced distribution of bio-fuel complying with the diesel standard. Diesel pumps throughout Munster are selling diesel, a percentage of which...

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: ——under which an establishment grant and annual premium are paid.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: This scheme was announced last week. Fine Gael, without doing its research on the issue, ran with a newspaper article which claimed that REPS farmers were excluded from the scheme.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Minister, Deputy Coughlan, confirmed that farmers participating in REPS can obtain the energy crop premium and the establishment grants for areas planted with either willow or miscanthus. The remainder of the land continues to be eligible for REPS payment. The Minister is reviewing the overall position in the context of preparations for the introduction of REPS 4. The new REP scheme is...

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: ——and are positioning Irish market players to participate in the longer-term market that we are creating through the implementation of a bio-fuels obligation.

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The overall new investment being facilitated by the Government amounts to more than €400 million and is a clear indication of its commitment to the development of a vibrant renewable energy sector in Ireland. In tandem with our initiatives to support renewable energy deployment, the Government is encouraging consumers to think about energy usage. Deputies are undoubtedly familiar with my...

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: It has been hugely successful to date. The dedicated website has been visited by more than 35,000 people, and 25,000 information packs have already been despatched from our mailing centre. We will shortly extend that campaign into a Power of One Street campaign. The Government has clearly had significant success to date in the area of bio-fuels. While I appreciate Fine Gael's intention in...

Biofuels (Blended Motor Fuels) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: ——with a view to providing a carefully considered measure that is in line with EU policies, is legal and delivers tangible benefits for the environment, rural communities and for an emerging and vibrant Irish bio-fuels sector.

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The position in law is that sole responsibility for the regulation of electricity and gas tariffs lies with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. As Minister, I have no function in setting or regulating these tariffs. I have no function in regard to oil prices.

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The future provision of postal services delivery and the post office network will be, in the first instance, a matter for An Post and other service providers. As set out clearly in the Programme for Government, this Government and the Board of An Post continue to be committed to the objective of ensuring a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network into the future. With this in...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I was not contacted by Dublin City Council regarding their reported proposal to introduce a Wi-Fi zone in Dublin City. I have no plans to provide financial support to the proposal.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I have no function in relation to international gas prices, which are set by global commodity markets. With regard to the prices charged by Bord Gáis Éireann, under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, sole responsibility for the regulation of these prices lies with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. The prices charged by independent...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Feb 2007)

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). My priority remains that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. I am aware, despite Government and private investment...

Written Answers — EU Funding: EU Funding (13 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: In the 2000-2006 period EU funding was allocated to my Department through the Southern & Eastern Operational Programme, the Border, Midland & Western Operational Programme, the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme, and the Productive Sector Operational Programme. The tables set out the annual total allocations under the Community Support Framework (CSF), the annual allocations by...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (13 Feb 2007)

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). The facilitation of broadband coverage across the entire county continues to be a key priority. I am aware that, despite Government and...