Results 11,801-11,820 of 21,588 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Policy (19 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 815 together.   The Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December last, notes that Moneypoint, Ireland’s only coal burning power station, contributes to diversifying Ireland’s fuel mix and the provision of competitively priced electricity. The station is owned by the ESB...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Staff Recruitment (19 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I understand that the information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will be provided to him by that Department.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Staff Remuneration (19 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: The cost per annum for my Department, were the pay increases set out in the Question to be implemented, is set out in the following table: Year Actual Pay Allocation - €000 Cost of Pay Increase of 2% - €000 Cost of Pay Increase of 4% - €000 Cost of Pay Increase of 5% - €000 2011 16,289 326 652 814 2012 15,949 319 638 797 2013 15,749 315...

Energy Bill 2016: Order for Report Stage (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I thank Deputy Brassil for tabling the amendment, which I do not propose to accept. The amendment was comprehensively discussed on Committee Stage. On the conclusion of the discussions, Deputy Lawless, on behalf of Fianna Fáil, stated that he was satisfied with the position as outlined and, in particular, he welcomed the proposal that the committee would review the operations of the...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: That is a separate group of amendments.

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: Deputy Smith is jumping ahead of herself. We will get through the other amendments in a few minutes.

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: You are okay. It is proposed to take amendments Nos. 2 and 3 together. During Committee Stage, both Deputies Ryan and Smith expressed their views and their promotion of demand-side participation, flexibility and community participation in energy markets in order to provide mechanisms for consumers to participate actively in the market through production, sale and possible storage of...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: In response to Deputy Ryan, I do not think it should hold us back. I do not see that as a block on it. My point, however, is that we need to ensure that whatever we put down in primary legislation is carefully drafted. There is this consultation and CER will come back to us shortly concerning its view. It may very well propose that we need primary legislation in this area. I am quite...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I move amendment No. 4:In page 28, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following:"(a) in subsection (3) by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (c):"(c) environmental matters, including climate change and environmental sustainability, in the person’s capacity as a representative of the commercial or not-for-profit sector or otherwise, as the case may be;",". This...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I agree with the point made by Deputy Ryan. The difficulty I have with Deputy Bríd Smith's amendment is that I do not believe we should pigeonhole appointments to specific State boards. We need flexibility. As Deputy Ryan said, why should we be limited to one specific appointment? In other words, should the Minister tick the box and appoint only one particular person even if there...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I do not propose to accept this amendment. I assume the Deputy is referring to the biofuels obligation scheme rather than the biofuel levy that is payable to obligated parties. As indicated on Committee Stage, I appreciate the Deputy's concerns about the need to review the possible impacts of the biofuels obligation scheme on indigenous producers and also in respect of the growth in the use...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I do not have any difficulty with what the Deputy is saying. The appropriate way to do that is to bring representatives from NORA before the committee and ask whether it can extrapolate from the report's findings and whether it requires further information if that is available. I agree with the Deputy and think there is huge merit in what she is saying. I fully support the issues she has...

Energy Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I thank everyone in the House for their assistance in facilitating the passage of this legislation and every single member of the committee for their assistance in drafting amendments. This was rushed and I thank them for their patience. I thank my officials who spent long hours during the night drafting amendments and engaging with the committee. It is my intention to use the same model...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Telecommunications Services Provision (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos 398 to 400, inclusive, together. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.  This is being achieved through private investment by commercial...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy Generation Targets (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020 and in order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, 12% renewables in the heating sector and 10% in transport. The Government has adopted a range of support measures designed to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Public Service Obligation Levy Yield (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together. The Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy has been in place since 2001. The PSO levy consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate the achievement of national electricity policy objectives for renewables, indigenous fuels and security of supply. It also supports employment in the renewables industry and in...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Television Licence Fee (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: In accordance with Section 145 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, An Post acts on behalf of my Department as an agent for the collection of the Television Licence fee. The day to day administration of licensing and renewals is a matter for An Post. I have asked An Post to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Titles (20 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: An Order changing  the  name of my Department to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been approved by Government; the change of title will be effective from 23 July.

Leaders' Questions (21 Jul 2016)

Denis Naughten: I thank Deputy Eamon Ryan for the points he has raised. As he is aware, this issue was debated in the House last night and for its 2030 targets, the Government seeks targets that are achievable and cost-effective. I believe that when we have the full detail-----