Results 401-420 of 2,304 for speaker:John Browne

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: We have invested substantial sums of money in the MANs, rural areas and school projects and this investment will continue. As I outlined earlier, we are seeking a further €6 million to continue to invest in major towns throughout the country where the MANs project does not operate.

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I understand that I will answer a later question which concerns Babcock & Brown, a company which is interested in a takeover of Eircom. Department officials have held meetings with the company. I am aware of the broadband related problems in Wexford. I sent a message to the woman in question which informed her that if she contacted the Department, it would resolve matters for her.

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: Deputy Broughan is keeping a close eye on Wexford. What was the subject of Deputy Broughan's next question?

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I understand that the Bill relating to ComReg is being prepared and will be available shortly. The Department will continue to drive broadband and achieve our targets, as I stated earlier.

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: We are getting there.

Radio Broadcasting. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The licensing of local radio is a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, which carries out its functions under the Radio and Television Act 1988. In this regard, the BCI is charged with the orderly development of sound broadcasting services and with ensuring the appropriate development of the sector. Independent radio and community radio undertakings have all performed well...

Radio Broadcasting. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: All the issues raised by Deputy Durkan were addressed in the Ox report and have been considered by the Minister. There is nothing secretive about the report. In it Ox Auction Experts examined four different tools which could be used to generate a financial return to the State. These were auctions, which is a mechanism to assign a licence to the highest bidder; market-based spectrum fees or...

Radio Broadcasting. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: It is very important that a station like NewsTalk continues to broadcast and is available to Dublin. We have South East Radio and other stations around the country are very much regionally or locally based. It is important that cities also have locally based radio stations. I will bring the Deputy's views to the Minister. The report of Ox Consultants is with the Minister and, hopefully, some...

Radio Broadcasting. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The BCI is the governing body. It is obligated to consider the desirability of allowing any person or group of persons to have control of or substantial interest in an undue amount of communications media in an area specified when considering the award of a licence and to take account of local needs. The BCI will take into account the issues raised by Deputy Eamon Ryan. In my part of the...

Radio Broadcasting. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I am not sure but will get the information for the Deputy.

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 10, 34, 51, 58 and 85 together. The State has no plans to invest in Eircom's infrastructure or regain control of any part thereof. Representatives of Babcock & Brown, a global investment and advisory firm founded in 1977 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, met with representatives of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on...

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The State has no plans to re-invest in the Eircom infrastructure. Babcock & Brown has approached the Department and explained its interest in Eircom. I am sure that other companies will also be interested and inform the Department accordingly. The Government has no interest in reacquiring Eircom. It will be for private investors to get involved. In recent months, Babcock & Brown Capital...

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: It is always important that we have the most modern powers in place to deal with our actions and decisions. Babcock & Brown approached the Department. We have no say in the purchase of Eircom but, if Babcock & Brown did purchase it, we would hold discussions with that company in respect of the development of broadband.

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The legislation is being prepared in the Department. We want to engage with any company that takes over Eircom to help develop and roll out broadband and determine what are the company's aspirations and views. I am sure we will do so. There may be other Babcock & Browns that will become involved in the purchase of Eircom. We will not get involved in any way, shape or form at this stage. I am...

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I told Deputy Durkan to wait until next May.

Telecommunications Services. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The only company which has an interest at present of which I am aware is Babcock & Brown. It has significant shares in Eircom at present. I am certain that at present, the State has no plans to invest in Eircom's infrastructure or to regain control of any part thereof.

Energy Resources. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 38, 83, 178 and 210 together. As the Deputies are probably aware, a number of residents living close to the onshore upstream pipeline for the Corrib gas field have been expressing concerns regarding its safety. To allay the fears of the residents, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, commissioned an...

Energy Resources. (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The final safety review report has been received in the Department and will be published in the near future. A series of recommendations from the Department's Corrib pipeline technical advisory group on foot of the safety review have also been presented to the Minister. He will make the necessary decision, while taking these reports and recommendations fully into account. As Members are...

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: The Minister intends to publish an energy policy Green Paper by mid-year which will set out medium and long-term perspectives and directions for national energy policy. The Green Paper will be set in the context of the considerable and complex future challenges for Irish energy policy and will take account of developments in relation to European energy policy as well as global trends. The...

Written Answers — Electricity Market Regulation: Electricity Market Regulation (6 Apr 2006)

John Browne: I assume that the Deputy is referring to the electricity regional initiative recently launched by the European Regulators Group for Electricity and Gas, ERGEG. This initiative is aimed at accelerating the single European energy market by promoting seven electricity regional energy market projects. The European Council conclusions encourage the acceleration of regional energy co-operation...