Results 4,221-4,240 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 185 together. First gas had initially been expected in early 2004. I understand from the developers, Shell E&P Ireland Ltd, that they expect that first gas will be available in late 2009. I would add, however, that completion of the development works is clearly the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas.

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 145 together. As the Deputy may be aware, RTÉ's statutory mandate, as defined in Section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that RTÉ's radio and television services shall be made available, in so far as is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the Island of Ireland. As such RTÉ's statutory mandate does not extend to the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: 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 Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services. As Minister with responsibility for policy in the sector, I...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 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). Since the liberalisation of the telecommunications market, I have intervened with various initiatives where the market has failed to provide...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 251 together. The energy sector will make its main contribution to meeting Ireland's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol through participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The Government has already decided, in the context of the preparation of Ireland's second National Allocation Plan under the scheme, that the emissions trading sector will be...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 169 together. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has lead responsibility for Government policy on meeting Ireland's target under the Kyoto Protocol. The energy sector will make its main contribution to meeting our obligations under the Kyoto Protocol through participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme....

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Government's decentralisation programme provides for the relocation of the Marine functions of my Department to Clonakilty and the headquarters of my Department to Cavan. Thirty-one staff have decentralised to Clonakilty and twenty-six to Cavan, to date. A further thirty-nine staff have committed thus far to decentralise (14 to Clonakilty and 25 to Cavan). Three hundred and fourteen...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 115 together. The telecoms market is fully liberalised and regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which is independent in the exercise of its functions. ComReg's objectives include the promotion of competition and the promotion of the interests of users. In an open market, decisions about investment, the provision of...

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 138, 174 and 190 together. The final report of the consultants engaged to assist my Department with its review of the licensing regime governing exploration for and production of oil and gas in Ireland, was recently received by my Department. When I have considered its findings and recommendations I will bring my proposals to Government for the future of...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 110 together. The latest Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) quarterly report states there are 436,700 broadband subscribers as of the end of Quarter 3 2006, which represents a year-on-year increase of 106%. This report estimates that at the end of Quarter 3 of 2006 71% of these broadband subscribers were residential with 29% being...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The closure of post offices is a matter for the board and management of the company. However, An Post has been asked to provide the information requested, which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 124 together. I am aware of the recent decision made by a company in relation to advertising aimed at children under 12 years of age. This is of course an important issue which highlights the need for protecting the most vulnerable sector of our society from exploitation. Section 19(1)(c) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that the Broadcasting...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 128 and 144 together. The National Bio-Energy Action Plan, overseen by the Ministerial Bio Energy Task Force, is being finalised and will be published shortly. The Plan will set out a cohesive strategy for the development and deployment of indigenous bioenergy resources, in the electricity, heating and transport sectors. The Plan will be underpinned by...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Meetings between my Department and their UK counterparts to discuss energy matters including interconnection occur on a regular basis. The Department of Trade and Industry has been briefed on developments related to the interconnector. Both Departments are in agreement on the merits of enhanced interconnection and have undertaken to liaise closely, as necessary, as the project goes forward. I...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2007 is primarily designed to strengthen the regulatory framework for the electronic communications sector. This is a dynamic and important sector and there were a number of complex legal issues that needed careful consideration. In addition a thorough consultation process, including both a public consultation on the draft legislative proposals...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The latest Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) quarterly report states there are 436,700 broadband subscribers at end of Quarter 3 2006, which represents a year-on-year increase of 106%. Seventy-one per cent of total broadband subscribers were classified as residential subscriptions and 29 per cent were businesses. (Source: ComReg Irish Communications Market: Key Data Report —...

Written Answers — Sale of Whitegate Refinery: Sale of Whitegate Refinery (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The business and commercial assets of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC) were sold on 16th July, 2001. The INPC received payment in full for these assets from the purchaser at the time of sale. A legal undertaking, by the purchaser, and its successors, to operate the Whitegate facilities on a fully commercial basis for at least 15 years, was a critical element of the sale from...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 136, 155 and 165 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 facilitation of broadband coverage across the entire country continues...

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Since coming into office I have highlighted the issue of roaming charges. Following pressure from myself, my Northern Ireland counterpart and the regulators, all the Irish mobile phone operators introduced special tariffs to address the cost of roaming on this island. I have strongly supported the European Commission in bringing forward proposals for a regulation on roaming. High charges...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (14 Feb 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Detailed consideration of a case for converting the Geological Survey of Ireland into a stand-alone agency is at a relatively early stage and is not expected to be completed for several months, at least.