Results 8,601-8,620 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister is correct. We should be realistic in considering what we can do about emissions. We can develop the alternative energy sector and invest in it. This sector should not be developed by way of increasing the price of all fuels so that it becomes impossible to live in the country. The Minister knows well there is serious doubt about what is happening at present. He will not...

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: What about the incinerator in Ringsend?

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: We have not complied with our obligations, we aspire to do so.

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: That does not help the environment.

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister did, but he also interrupted me. I am returning the compliment.

Garda Reform: Statements (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister uses that type of phone.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this important legislation. I congratulate the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Browne, on bringing it before the House. I hope the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is happily ensconced in Hanoi, is in no danger there and rings home on a...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I have heard he has been on the Tannoy.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for the important briefing received from his officials and acknowledge the importance of this unique piece of North-South co-operation that will be of benefit to both parts of the island. I accept that the all-island market will be of benefit and that economies of scale, of which both sides can avail, should ensue. It is important in these situations that the ground...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The merger of the regulators could result in job losses. Government policy in both parts of the island must direct future developments. We should not allow regulators to dictate policy. I do not suggest the Minister of State would permit such an eventuality but Ministers have been known to bob, weave, duck and disclaim responsibility in matters for which they should be responsible.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The objective of my party in doing so was to benefit and protect the interests of domestic and industrial energy consumers. This has not always been the case. I heard people moan on radio this morning about the reasons the price of electricity should be reduced. As I indicated earlier, it is better late than never. On what basis were prices increased two months ago given that prices were...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The way things are going he may have to retire long before then but not for the reasons the Minister of State supposes.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I hope we will all be in the next Dáil.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Policy direction must remain the political responsibility of Ministers, who are responsible to their legislatures; the wisdom of any deviation from that must be questioned. It might be good to escape the responsibility, something Ministers like to do, but once the power to direct is removed from the Minister's hands, it goes to whomsoever's guess is best. I mentioned our future energy needs...

Departmental Expenditure. (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 6: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his support for the promotion of arts, sport and tourism is reflected in financial allocation by or from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40846/06]

Departmental Expenditure. (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for his reply. I tabled Question No. 6 to ascertain the full extent of the Minister's commitment to his various areas of responsibility. I was particularly keen to get information about the arts, to which Deputy Deenihan referred in the context of a previous question. I have had difficulty getting such information in the past. I compliment the Minister on the work...

Departmental Expenditure. (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for his reply. He is on the right track. Unfortunately, two groups in my constituency are expecting assistance in the areas to which I referred. These groups promote the arts by putting on shows, plays and musicals and they often have to congregate for practice in unsuitable accommodation. The work being done so far by the Minister is fine, but he needs to direct...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.