Results 6,601-6,620 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I am aware that the price of E85 fuel, which is a fuel blend made up of 85% ethanol has risen sharply in the past year. The oil market is fully deregulated and the Commission for Energy Regulation has no function in the setting of prices. Ethanol can be produced from a number of different commodities all of which are globally traded, and which vary significantly in price from time to time....

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: Both I and my Department are kept apprised of developments by the promoters in relation to the Spirit of Ireland proposal for National energy power stations combining commercial wind farms and pumped hydro storage reservoirs. The proposal, which is being developed as a merchant project by a new commercial entity, National Hydro Energy, envisages that the power generated by the project would...

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The Third Postal Services Directive provides for the final step in the gradual and controlled opening of the postal services market to competition and ensuring the continuing provision of a universal postal service. Legislation to transpose this Directive has been drafted and, subject to Government approval, I plan to publish the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill, 2010, in the...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: On 30th April last I set out proposals for a limited extension of the sporting events which are designated free-to-air and invited submissions on those proposals. I also decided that the final decision on this matter will be informed by an independent analysis of the financial and other impacts of listing each event. Indecon International Consultants were commissioned to do this report and...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I have met with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland on numerous occasions since its establishment under the Broadcasting Act 2009. Prior to that I also met with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. I meet regularly with national and local radio interests as part of my ministerial responsibilities.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband – Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland" incorporates relevant provisions in the Government's Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal 'Building Ireland's Smart Economy', which recognises broadband as a key enabling infrastructure for the knowledge-intensive services and...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: It is the responsibility of my Department, in conjunction with RTE, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), ComReg and other stakeholders to progress the digital switch-over process so that it meets the 2012 timeline for analogue switch off. Accordingly, I imposed, by order, a requirement on RTÉ to make its public service DTT multiplex available to 90% of the population from 31 October...

Written Answers — EU Regulations: EU Regulations (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The application for State Aid Clearance in relation to REFIT for energy from biomass was submitted by my Department to the European Commission earlier this month. My Department estimates that it will take some months for the State Aid Clearance to be finalised and approved by the European Commission. I expect that I will be in a position to announce implementation of the tariffs in the first...

Written Answers — Broadband Provision: Broadband Provision (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 340, inclusive, together. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL...

Written Answers — Electric Vehicles: Electric Vehicles (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020, which equates to around 225,000 vehicles. Ireland aims to be at the forefront of electric vehicle technology developments and my Department is working with relevant Departments and Agencies to ensure that the necessary structures and initiatives are in place to meet this target. Last April I signed...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together. The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together. I am informed that the localities referred to in the Deputy's Questions are both covered by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Broadband services are now available from the NBS Service Provider, Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd (3), throughout the entire NBS coverage area, including the designated Electoral Divisions (EDs) in County Monaghan....

Written Answers — Post Office Bill Payment: Post Office Bill Payment (16 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding billing by operators, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with its functions under the Communications Regulation Act 2002. Eircom has indicated to ComReg that it is in ongoing discussions with An Post on issues arising from the over-the-counter...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (17 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I plan to publish legislation to transpose the Third Postal Services Directive shortly. The Directive provides for the final step in the gradual and controlled opening of the postal services market to competition and ensuring the continuing provision of a universal postal service. In designing the new regulatory framework, the key principles are the maintenance of a universal postal service,...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (18 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The Electricity Regulation (Amendment)(Carbon Revenue Levy) Act 2010 which came into effect on 1st July 2010 provides for the recovery of carbon windfall gains from electricity generators until the end of 2012. The Act provides for the establishment of a fund administered by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), to whom the levy is paid by the generators. It also provides that this...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (18 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The Third Postal Services Directive provides for the final step in the gradual and controlled opening of the postal services market to competition. Primary legislation to transpose this Directive has been drafted and Government approval has been given to publish the new Bill shortly. The issues for Ireland arising from the implementation of the Directive have been widely and comprehensively...

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (18 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: I can inform the Deputy that external reports and reviews commissioned by State Agencies and Boards under the aegis of my Department, and the amount spent on these reports and reviews is a day to day operational matter for the Agencies and Boards concerned. As the Deputy will be aware, Public Bodies are required to comply with national and EU public procurement rules when procuring goods and...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (23 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, provides grant assistance for a range of energy efficiency measures, including roof insulation, internal and external wall insulation, boilers and heating controls. Since the inception of the scheme in 2008, the scheme has provided energy efficiency...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (23 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The following table below provides the breakdown for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date of the total allocation and expenditure under the Home Energy Savings Scheme, Warmer Homes and Green Homes programmes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Programme 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 (to date) Programme Totals (08 to date) Home Energy Saving scheme (HESS) Total...

Written Answers — Television Licence Fee: Television Licence Fee (23 Nov 2010)

Eamon Ryan: The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was established on 1st October 2009. The Authority is a content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters. Section 124 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 allows for the Authority to recommend in a report to the Minister an annual licence fee modification. This recommendation is to be based on a review on the extent to which...