Results 1,141-1,160 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 118 together. World gas resources can easily meet projected demand. Proven reserves have outpaced production for the past 25 years and equal about 66 years of current production. While it is clear that the geographic sources of gas for north west Europe will change over coming years, there is no particular threat to Irish supplies. The market is close...

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: As I have already stated, my Department is at present considering an application for consent to install the onshore pipeline. Both the quantified risk assessment, QRA, and the Johnston report, to which I have referred previously, will form part of this process. In so far as there may be issues in the QRA that need further clarification, elaboration or even additional material, Mr. Andrew...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The most recent figures from the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, indicate that there are now in excess of 130,000 broadband consumers, which is almost 9% market penetration. This is up from around 1,000 in March 2003. The latest figures also show that 40% of Irish homes have a personal computer, compared with the EU-15 average of 45%, and 40% of Irish homes have access to...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Currently, I have certain limited statutory powers to give directions to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, solely on electricity trading arrangements. As is common practice with other sectoral regulators, I am proposing, in line with Government approval, to take powers to issue policy directions of a general nature to the CER. Such a provision is included in the Energy (Miscellaneous...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: A list of all consultancies relating to the introduction of digital television services is being made available. The total amount spent over the period in question is €2,591,744. These costs relate primarily to technical, financial and legal advice in relation to the "multiplex" licence competition held by the Department in 2001 and 2002. No applicant was successful in that competition....

Written Answers — Public Private Partnerships: Public Private Partnerships (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware that the Digital Hub Development Agency, DHDA, is running a developer competition to develop the hub site. I am awaiting a recommendation from the board of DHDA relating to that competition. In advance of that recommendation it would not be proper for me to comment on the alternatives available in the hub to secure future development in the area. With regard to its other ongoing...

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have no function in setting pricing for phone services. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including pricing for mobile services, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications. As...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I wish to advise the Deputy that tendering for all aspects of broadband projects under the national development plan that are being rolled out across the country are conducted in accordance with the relevant public procurement guidelines currently in place. Moreover, any tender or procurement notices are published on www.etenders.gov.ie the website designed to be a central facility for all...

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The quantified risk assessment for the Corrib upstream gas pipeline referred to by the Deputy came to my Department's attention when the developers applied to my predecessor for consent to construct a pipeline under the Gas Act 1976, as amended in November 2001.

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: My Department is at present considering an application for consent to install the onshore pipeline. Both the quantified risk assessment, QRA, and the Johnston report, to which I have referred previously, will form part of this process. In so far as there may be issues in the QRA that need further clarification, elaboration or even additional material, Mr. Andrew Johnston, assisted by other...

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Although the development of third generation mobile phone technology worldwide has not been as fast as previously envisaged, the roll out of 3G services has commenced. In Ireland one licensee has fully commercially launched 3G customer services. Another licensee has indicated that it will launch services in both the UK and Ireland in early 2005. The third licensee is expected to formally...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: In March 2004, my predecessor, Deputy Dermot Ahern, under section 13 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, issued policy directions to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, including one on broadband. This direction required ComReg to use regulatory and enforcement tools, where necessary and subject to relevant requirements under European and national law, to support...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: As the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has statutory responsibility for security of electricity supply, I have no function in the matters raised by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Television Licence Fee: Television Licence Fee (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 16 of today.

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions Nos. 78, 273, 298 and 316 on 8 February 2005.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have nothing further to add to my reply to Question No. 273 answered on 30 November 2004.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: My policy on electricity generated from renewable sources, of which wind is the dominant technology, in the first instance is to increase consumption from these sources to 13.2% of total consumption by 2010 as required by Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (10 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 7 given earlier today.

Order of Business. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Ar mo shon féin agus ar son Fianna Fáil, ba mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a chur in iúl do Catherine Murphy agus Shane McEntee as ucht a bheith tofa. I congratulate both Deputies on their election to the House. It is a very proud day for them and their families and supporters. I am delighted Deputy Kenny did not take personally any of my remarks during the course of the campaign.