Results 4,701-4,720 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Amendments Nos. 1, 9 and 11 to 22, inclusive, are minor necessary improvements to the text of the Bill as pointed out by the draftsperson. Amendments Nos. 20 to 22, inclusive, are similar to amendments proposed by Deputy Durkan on Committee Stage in the Dáil. After a discussion with the parliamentary draftsperson, it was agreed the amendments would enhance the text of the Bill. Amendment...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: They are next. Amendments Nos. 25 and 26 require the RTE authority to review and report to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the third and fifth anniversaries of the coming into force of this measure on the provision of broadcasting services to Irish communities abroad, as mandated by the Bill. The amendments also require that the Minister lay such reports...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I thank Senator O'Toole for his comments on this matter, which he has raised previously in the House. The Government is encouraging RTE to broadcast to Irish people abroad — it is providing for that in legislation. It is not limiting RTE's ability to provide such services. During the debate in both Houses, I have focused on the need to reach out to the Irish community in the UK. I do...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I thank Senators for their contributions to the Bill. Many of the points raised have been reflected in amendments to the Bill, which have improved it considerably. I acknowledge the contributions from sectoral players and various interested parties. People were positively disposed to the Bill and made constructive suggestions. The twin issues in this Bill were of particular interest to...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I introduced amendment No. 1 to enhance the whistleblower's provision in the Bill by providing that ComReg may use its discretion when information is disclosed to it. It can decide, if satisfied on reasonable grounds, not to accept or deal with the information. This will allow ComReg the discretion to take no action when the information offered is of a vexatious or frivolous nature. The...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Senator Kenneally has raised an important point and is correct that ComReg and An Post have produced different figures for next day delivery. It was one of the first issues I raised with An Post when I was appointed Minister to this Department. Attempts were made in the previous 18 months to rectify that situation so everyone was using a single set of figures. Since the new chief executive...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I thank Senators for their interest in this Bill. All sides of both Houses wanted the Bill and I was given early indications that it would receive constructive consideration and would be expedited as swiftly as possible in a manner consistent with good legislation. I acknowledge that is what happened. A number of good amendments were tabled in a constructive manner and I was glad to take...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: ——long and hard with me over the last couple of months and I wish him well in the election. I hope it has not affected his very good chances of being elected.

Leaders' Questions (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Deputy Kenny cannot get into government.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 188 together. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband by private sector companies is a matter for the companies themselves operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The number of current vacancies as of 29th March 2007 or falling due on or before 4th July 2007 is 56 in all State Boards, State Bodies or other like entities. I intend to fill any vacancies that arise, in the normal way.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Support programmes for the establishment of new manufacturing businesses are in the first instance a matter for my colleague Deputy Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Written Answers — Energy Review: Energy Review (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: My Department will be proceeding to tender shortly for the review of the future security of Ireland's access to crude oil and oil products. The review will assess over the medium to longer term, Ireland's security of access to commercial oil supply including the necessary risk analysis. It will also address contingency planning. It is expected that the tender will be awarded by June next...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (4 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Handbook on Oil Supply Disruption Contingency Measures will be published and placed on the Department's website by the end of April. The Handbook was compiled by officials of my Department in consultation with the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), the Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA) and other Departments. As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Ireland is...

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Whether the Opposition likes it or not.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (5 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Government is firmly committed to the development of an Irish biofuels market and to the development and deployment of bio-energy generally in Ireland. A range of initiatives is already in place to support the development of the biofuels sector. The 2005 pilot mineral oil tax relief scheme for biofuels has resulted in eight projects being awarded excise relief for a two year period under...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (5 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Greener Homes Scheme is providing support to homeowners to invest in a range of renewable energy heating technologies including solar technology, wood biomass boilers and stoves, and heat pumps. Funding of €47m has been provided for the scheme. There have been almost 14,000 applications received since the scheme was launched. Grant aid of €1,100 to €6,500 is being provided under the...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (5 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Under the current funding agreement, for the period October 2006 to October 2007, up to €312,138 is available to Energy Action to substantially address up to 600 low income households with energy efficiency measures. The measures provided include: Draught proofing, Attic insulation, Hot water cylinder Jackets, Low energy light-bulbs, Energy Advice. A further €25,000 capital grant was...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (5 Apr 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Further to my reply of 28 March regarding appointments the information sought is set out in the following table. State Board/Agency Vacancies at 26/03/2007 or falling due on or before 31 May 2007 ESB 2 Bord Na Móna 1 Bord Iascaigh Mhara 5 Bord Gais Éireann 3 Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board 3 Mining Board 2 Marine Institute 4 Regional Fisheries Boards 10 Foyle, Carlingford and...