Results 1,001-1,020 of 2,304 for speaker:John Browne

Fish Quota. (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: We inherited this problem. The Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, and I had an initial meeting with Commissioner Borg to discuss how the balance of the 34,000 tonnes of mackerel that were illegally landed would be dealt with. Our objectives were to minimise the impact of the quota reductions on the majority of fishermen who had little or nothing to do with illegal fishing, to set the reductions...

Fish Quota. (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: As the Deputy is aware, Dr. Cawley has agreed to continue as chair of the implementation group.

Fish Quota. (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I welcome this because it gives the group a certain level of independence. The delay in the commencement in mackerel fishing has, as already stated, ensured a substantial increased in the amount of this fish landed and processed in Ireland this year. This is good for the processors and for job creation, particularly in the north-west. We hope this will continue to be the case in the future....

Fish Quota. (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I attended the negotiations that took place in Brussels at Christmas. The final meeting concluded at approximately 4 a.m. and we managed to secure the same quota for blue whiting for 2007 as that which obtained in 2006. This was despite the fact that practically every other country wanted to substantially reduce the level of Ireland's quota. We have the same quota this year as we had last year.

Fish Quota. (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: There is always potential. However, the difficulty lies in securing additional quota. We were obliged to negotiate the best deal for Ireland. For the first time in ten years, we managed to secure substantial increases in respect of a number of species and we managed to retain the same quota for blue whiting as that which obtained in 2006. The latter was quite an achievement. I must...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Order for Report Stage (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: The Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is travelling to Brussels for a European Council meeting.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: The Long Title is intended to encapsulate the Bill's purpose in general terms. The mechanisms referred to in the amendment are captured in its drafting. Section 9 establishes the protection of the interests of consumers of electricity, both North and South, as the principal objective of the Minister, the Commission for Energy Regulation and the SEM committee in the exercise of a single...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I have nothing to add.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: Some of the provisions of this Bill replace existing provisions of the 1999 Act and some confer additional functions to those provided in the 1999 Act. It is, therefore, necessary that the provisions of this Bill are read together with the provisions of the 1999 Act and the title of the single electricity market Bill needs to reflect this position. It is, therefore, appropriate that the...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: Section 1 is a commencement provision which allows the Minister to bring into force certain provisions in the Bill at the appropriate time, or else to bring the entire Act into force on the same day. It is a standard feature in Bills and facilitates the appropriate implementation of the legislation. Consultation is unnecessary so the amendment is unnecessary. Amendment No. 8 proposes that...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I do not accept the Taoiseach would make throwaway remarks on Northern Ireland. The SEM is outside the remit of the Good Friday Agreement. Deputy Broughan raised this matter previously and I have tried to obtain information on what the Taoiseach said. As soon as it comes to hand I will pass it on to him.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I am seeking clarification.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I am always inspired after listening to Deputy Durkan. The term "single electricity market operator" is the title ascribed to the EirGrid-SONI contractual joint venture which will carry out this function. The title is reflected in both this Bill and the corresponding Northern Ireland legislation and must be uniform in both. I consulted with the Parliamentary Counsel following Deputy...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: The Title of the Bill is set out in such a way as to make it clear that the function being referred to is that of the market operator. That is what I am advised.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I move amendment No. 9: In page 5, line 2, to delete "Article 8" and substitute "Article 9". This is a minor technical amendment to reflect the renumbering of the provisions in the Northern Ireland Draft Order in Council.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: Following reflection and consultation on the matter raised in amendment No. 10, I am of the view that such a translation may cause difficulties with the corresponding Northern Ireland legislation in that the title of the SEM committee must be uniform in both pieces of legislation to avoid any confusion. Additionally, the SEM committee will be a sub-committee of the Commission for Energy...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: I move amendment No. 11: In page 5, line 10, to delete "shall be comprised of" and substitute "shall comprise". Deputy Durkan tabled a technical amendment on Committee Stage which suggested the substitution of the existing drafting of "The SEM Committee shall be comprised of such members as stand appointed to it from time to time" with "The SEM Committee shall comprise of such member..."....

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: These amendments suggest that specific provision be made for representatives from industry, consumer groups and trade unions to be included on the SEM committee and consulted in the appointment of members of the SEM committee under section 1(a) of Schedule 1 and the independent members under section 2. Having reflected on the points raised by the Deputies I would like to offer the following...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (14 Feb 2007)

John Browne: The SEM Bill is the first legislative step in the establishment of an all-island energy market. It puts in place a single wholesale market for the island of Ireland. As a result of issues raised on Committee Stage, we gave this serious consideration because there is merit in the issues raised by Deputies in the context of the long-term establishment of an all-island energy market. The...