Results 12,061-12,080 of 21,588 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Other Questions: Public Service Obligation Levy Increase (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The overall impact of the levy on consumer bills depends on what happens with the other components in electricity prices. The wholesale price of electricity makes up 50% of a bill, while the network charges make up 30%. That would be a higher factor than would be the case in most other EU countries, purely because we have a dispersed rural population. Up to 30% of our population is on 97%...

Other Questions: Public Service Obligation Levy Increase (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I have to smile. Deputy Timmy Dooley is legitimately questioning network charges, while Deputy Eamon Ryan is arguing we should increase the charges with smart metering.

Other Questions: Public Service Obligation Levy Increase (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I have to be conscious of all the costs. When I make decisions, I need to make them in the interests of consumers. Deputy Eamon Ryan is correct that the intention would be to ensure people reduce their bills rather than increase them. It would also help in reducing consumption through energy efficiency. Regarding the regulatory capacity of CER, we are looking at an independent review...

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government. This is reflected in the national policy position on climate action and low carbon development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, enacted in December 2015. The...

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: Theory is one thing, practice is another. To put things in perspective, there are 1,443 jobs in the midlands associated with Bord na Móna and the three peat-fired power stations in Lanesboro, Shannonbridge and Edenderry. The Edenderry plant is the first to come before the planning process. There are many families who are reliant on employment in the three plants involved. The...

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: This will allow for the maintenance of existing job levels in the region and create a cash crop for local farmers. We are trying to sustain employment. There is no point talking about closing plants until such time as we have in place an alternative. There reaction thus far to proposals put forward by environmental groups has been negative because people tend to forget that we are talking...

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: As I said earlier, I am working with Bord na Móna to put in place a bio-energy plan that will create alternative employment.

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: Let me finish. I am working with Bord na Móna to put an alterative system of employment in place in the midlands. I have already made decisions in that regard. We will be announcing a consultation document on the renewable heat incentive scheme before the end of this year, which will create demand for bio-energy crops in this country and will build up the capacity needed to convert...

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: In regard to the Deputy's suggestion, I invite him to visit the midlands, including Deputy Troy's constituency and my constituency, to talk to the people and hear what they have to say about it.

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: It has not been abandoned.

Other Questions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: There are opportunities not only in Mayo but across every other county in Ireland. As Minister, I am prepared to support the development of the renewable energy sector, on which I will not be lectured by Deputy Wallace.

Topical Issue Debate: Waste Management (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I thank Deputy Lawless for raising this issue with me. Waste management planning is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act 1996. In this regard, waste management plans for the Connacht-Ulster, eastern midlands and southern regions were made in May 2015. In brief, the plans comprehensively set out clear strategies, policies and actions to address,...

Topical Issue Debate: Waste Management (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I thank Deputy Lawless. As I set out previously, I am precluded under statute from intervening in matters concerning waste management planning and industrial emissions licensing, which are functions of local authorities and the EPA, respectively. In addition, matters pertaining to planning legislation, including issues regarding traffic management, do not fall under my remit as Minister for...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Media Mergers (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: While I am aware that the proposed purchase of the Celtic Media Group by Independent News & Media is currently being considered by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, I have no role in relation to the proposed transaction until the CCPC has made its determination in this case. Should the proposed purchase receive clearance from the CCPC, it must then be notified to me...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: National Broadband Plan Implementation (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service and will stimulate businesses and communities across villages and towns across Ireland.   The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.  This is being...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Waste Disposal Charges (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: As the waste industry began releasing, in June 2016, its proposed prices under the introduction of a mandatory pay-by-weight charging structure, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies. On foot of this, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Mobile Telephony Services (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect.  Mobile operators have, however, invested significantly in rolling out improved services, following ComReg's multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage. The rate of demand...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The Paris Agreement aims to tackle 95% of global emissions through 188 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the INDC tabled by the EU on behalf of its Member States which commits to 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The specific details of the contribution to this 40% to be made by each...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Air Pollution (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: Road transport is a significant source of harmful emissions in Ireland and across Europe. Emissions from transport, including particulate emissions, can have a detrimental impact on environmental ecosystems and on human health.  Inhalation of Particulate Matter (PM) can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: For each year between 2013 and 2020, Ireland has a greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. This is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated under the Effort Sharing Decision and one shared only by Denmark and...