Results 9,561-9,580 of 13,375 for speaker:Pat Rabbitte

Exploration Licences (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The regime, as has happened already, applies to Providence.

Exploration Licences (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: It is the future that we are talking about.

Exploration Licences (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: One never knows but in Deputy Boyd Barrett's neck of the woods in Dalkey it is rumoured-----

Exploration Licences (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: -----according to his own literature, that there could be tens of thousands of barrels of oil being pumped across Dalkey but I doubt if it will happen before we come back after the summer recess.

Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: There is a commitment in the programme for Government to co-invest with the private sector and commercial semi-State sector to provide next generation broadband customer access and associated fast speeds to every home and business in the State. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce report, which I launched on 2 May last, and which I chaired with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy...

Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I acknowledge that Deputy Naughten has a long-standing concern and a great deal of knowledge about the issues he raises. I do not think it is reasonable for him to ask why the next generation broadband task force bottled it, as he put it. It is, after all, comprised of the chief executives of the leading telecommunications companies who themselves are competing to provide a service where it...

Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The report concluded that 50% of the population will, by 2015, have access to as high a speed of broadband as anywhere in Europe, amounting to 70 megabits or more. The report suggests a second tier which could be anywhere between 20% and 35%. The exact size of the second tier is an issue which is much disputed and debated. However, that second tier will have access to speeds of 30 megabits...

Telecommunications Services (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I do not have any difficulty in talking to EirGrid but it is my intention to enhance the quality of connectivity long before the transmission between north Mayo and the midlands and between Cork and Kildare is rolled out. It is interesting that 53 organisations have responded with their criticisms and recommendations and suggestions for improvement, some of which are very interesting. I am...

Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Like we used to get from you.

Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: You have lost Finian already.

Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: It is a bone for Finian.

Written Answers — Strategy for Renewable Energy: Strategy for Renewable Energy (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Keeping the cost of energy in Ireland as low as possible is important for domestic consumers and plays a critical role in maintaining our overall economic competiveness. Late last year the Government agreed with my decision on cost grounds not to proceed with an application to the European Commission for State Aid clearance for a higher priced feed in tariff to support Offshore Wind...

Written Answers — Seismic Surveys: Seismic Surveys (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 124 together. In March of this year Shell E & P Ireland Ltd applied to my Department for permission to acquire 3D seismic data over the Corrib Field. The survey, which commenced on 17 June, 2012 is being undertaken to supplement the 3D seismic data previously acquired on the Corrib Field in 1997. The primary objective of the survey is to improve the...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, including petrol and diesel fuel prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Energy policy objectives for Ireland and the European Union are delivering security of supply and reducing the impact of energy costs for consumers and business, through the development of renewable energy resources, enhanced energy...

Written Answers — Strategy for Renewable Energy: Strategy for Renewable Energy (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 119 together. A key priority under the ocean energy strategy is to increase the research and design capabilities in ocean energy in Ireland. Wave and tidal technology is still at the RD&D stage globally and is not yet a commercially viable technology. The Ocean Energy Development Unit was established in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: My Department must operate within the multi-annual Employment Control Framework (ECF) as agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The ECF places annual limits on the number of full time equivalent staff which may be employed within the Department. Currently the Department has some headroom as between the existing complement and the ECF and the ECF limit. It is,...

Written Answers — Strategy for Renewable Energy: Strategy for Renewable Energy (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 125 together. The Programme for Government states that a feed-in tariff will be provided for micro-generators wishing to produce electricity for their own homes, farms and businesses and that they will be facilitated to sell surplus electricity to the grid, while the tariff should not be significantly above the single energy market price for...

Written Answers — Bord Gáis: Bord Gáis (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Government has decided that Bord Gáis Éireann's (BGÉ) Energy business will be included as part of the assets disposal programme. BGÉ is a strong and dynamic State company. The success of Bord Gáis Energy demonstrates BGÉ's capacity to develop new and efficient businesses for the benefit of Irish consumers as well as the State as shareholder. The Government is irrevocably committed...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Currently approximately 1900MW of renewable generation is connected to the grid including over 1600MW of wind generation, small and large hydro generation and some small amounts of biomass generation including landfill gas. In order to connect to the electricity grid, generators require a grid connection offer. Supervision of the grid connection process, including access to offers, is the...

Written Answers — Press Standards: Press Standards (26 Jun 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: As the Deputy will be aware, I currently have no function with regard to the print media sector, and as such have no powers to legislate for that sector. However, legislation is being prepared by my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that, once enacted, will transfer responsibility for a modernised media mergers system to my Department. The Press Council here has...