Results 4,201-4,220 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (30 Apr 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (30 Apr 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Solar and wind-powered technologies contribute to different energy requirements in domestic settings. Solar panels harness heat for hot water and space heating. Wind-turbines, on the other hand, are installed primarily to generate electricity. Solar panels qualify for support under the Greener Homes Scheme operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). It is a qualifying condition that...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I fully agree with both Deputies that we do not want to create an expensive administrative system with economic consequences for broadcasters, but the proposed legislation provides the right cover and strictures for the broadcasting authority of Ireland. A key determinant of the cost of a public service body such as this is the staffing level. Section 15(1) requires the consent of the...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Section 37(1) states: The chief executive, following the agreement of the Authority, shall not later than 30 September in each year, submit estimates of income and expenditure to the Minister in respect of the subsequent three financial years, in such form as may be required by the Minister, and shall furnish to the Minister any information which the Minister may require in relation to such...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Bill sets out the structure of what this authority will do. The ability to meet those is not given in statutory form as it is done by a chief executive and the Minister within the powers they have to get more from our public service commitments.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I agree with the principle of carrying over funds because this ends the bad practice whereby people might be frantically seeking to spend money at the end of the financial year. It is better management and practice to have a certain level of flexibility. Such flexibility exists in respect of my Department's spend, in respect of which carryover facilities exist. I am of the view that...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I will answer the Deputy's-----

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I move amendment No. 35: In page 42, between lines 39 and 40, to insert the following: "(5) An annual report shall include a report to the Minister in respect of contracts entered into by the Authority under section 67 and any consequent strategy the Authority proposes to adopt to encourage competition in respect of the award of sound broadcasting contracts, excluding contracts entered into...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: To answer the broad question the Deputy asked earlier in terms of staffing, one of the points I made is that what we are looking for in the public service reform process is the amalgamation of other agencies. That is not completed and, therefore, it is not in the legislation but there is nothing precluding us from doing that in this legislation. The amalgamation of such agencies into the...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: We are straying slightly from the amendment but I do not mind doing it-----

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: -----because the development of digital terrestrial television is a crucial area. It is crucial because the switch off of analogue transmission services in 2012 gives us a major economic opportunity to switch on a range of broadband and other services we can use in that spectrum. What I have said to people in the broadcasting area is that this is a crucial economic development for the...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I will not prejudge the process the BCI is engaged in but there will be an outcome which sees us having an effective DTT service combining a free-to-air service with a commercial allied service. The second key reason we want to see that delivered is not only do we get a benefit from the analogue switch off, but we also need a variety of platforms here to ensure that we are not dependent on...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I am happy with that.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In respect of amendment No. 36, as proposed by Deputy McManus, on the duties of broadcasters under section 39(1)(d), I would argue that the rewording of this paragraph on Committee Stage by the substitution of "causing harm and offence" for "offending against good taste or decency" in effect covers the issues of anti-social behaviour and bullying. Broadcasters would be under a duty not to...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I would agree with Deputy McManus. I would refer to section 26(2)(c), which empowers the BAI to conduct that research. I agree that if it is not measured, it is hard to know the effect. However, there is provision in the Bill for such research to be done.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Deputy Coveney is correct in claiming there are examples elsewhere of much more lenient and flexible advertising regimes in broadcasting. Ireland, however, has one of the highest radio listenership in Europe and I believe this has been achieved on the back of good regulation. Listeners have much loyalty to our radio stations; they are not tuning in to hear advertising but people...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: We are not seeking a complete clampdown on radio stations so that any oversight leads to immediate revocation of a licence. In 2008, 11 stations were notified of 50 breaches to the ten minute rule. Common breaches included sponsorship announcements, competition announcements and other mechanisms, which were in effect advertising, not being included in the minutes, incorrect timing of...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: This is a sensitive and, in some ways, difficult issue, which we rightly considered in depth on Committee Stage. Further consideration has been given to the amendments tabled by Deputy Coveney and myself. Section 24 of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960, as extended by section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act 1988, provides that a broadcaster shall not accept any advertisement directed...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: To clarify, it is not legal advice, it is in consultation with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, which has been engaged, as Deputy McManus indicated, in a multitude of cases such as the advertising of a crib. Under the existing legislation the commission tries to interpret the direction of the Oireachtas, including what is included in specific provisions, as that is part of its...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I move amendment No. 41: In page 44, to delete lines 46 to 49 and in page 45, to delete lines 1 and 2.