Results 12,101-12,120 of 21,588 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Climate Change Policy (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 156 to 158, inclusive, together. The extent of the challenge arising from climate change is well understood by Government. Existing policy is set out in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (2014) which established a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of mitigation...

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

Denis Naughten: The Climate Action and Environment (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2016 was approved by Government on 19 July 2016 and took effect from 22 July 2016. This order provides for the transfer of responsibility for environmental functions in relation to air quality, radiation, climate, environmental policy and waste and resource efficiency, including waste...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Electricity Transmission Network (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: EirGrid endeavours to ensure that Irish citizens have ongoing, secure access to electricity via a world class electricity infrastructure that supports Ireland’s continued economic development. Essentially, EirGrid develops, manages and operates the electricity transmission grid and this brings power from where it is generated to where it is needed throughout Ireland. In working...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Climate Change Policy (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, which is underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Latest Green House Gas emission projections by the Environmental...

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

Denis Naughten: I attach a high level of importance to supporting the international agenda on protection of the environment, and to fulfilling our obligations under relevant international agreements.  This is consistent with the overall Government position, as reflected in the commitments set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government, particularly the commitment to work towards implementing...

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

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 153, 159 and 160 together. The National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.  This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Environmental Protection Enforcement (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: Rigorous implementation of environmental policy and legislation, underpinned by the principle of proportionality, is the appropriate approach to adopt in protecting our environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the independent statutory body responsible for protecting the environment in Ireland. The EPA performs a wide range of statutory functions in fulfilment of its mandate....

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

Denis Naughten: Air quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, also known as the CAFE Directive. The Directive requires that certain minimum levels of monitoring are conducted for the purpose of assessment and management of air quality.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy Generation Targets (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable energy sources, with the latter target also being legally binding. Currently, the total amount of...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Climate Change Policy (26 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: For each year between 2013 and 2020, Ireland has a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) No. 406/2009/EC. 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 ESD and one shared only by Denmark and...

UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Motion (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I move:That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of the Paris Agreement, done at Paris on 12th December 2015, a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 18th October 2016. Today has the potential to be a turning point which, in hindsight, will be seen as the advent of major cultural, political and technological change in our country. I use the word "potential" purposely....

UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Motion (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: On climate change, we must collaborate with each other, while Ireland must collaborate with the world. I commend the agreement to the House.

UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Motion (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: It is not even the Pope's stance.

UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Motion (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I do not worry about hairspray.

UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Motion (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: That will be an interesting conversation.

UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Motion (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I thank everyone who contributed to the debate. Bar one contribution, I agree with the vast majority of what has been said. Even in respect of that contribution, we need to address many issues there in the context of where we are going. The Deputies' contributions are useful in informing a wider-ranging debate on the issue of climate change. Recognition of the challenge of global warming...

Questions on Proposed Legislation (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I have not personally been made aware of the situation. On the universal service obligation, USO, any company taking over the ownership of Eir would also be taking over responsibility for any obligations in place. The universal services obligation has been hugely successful in ensuring that people have access to voice telephony services across this country and this will continue. The...

Prohibition of the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill 2016: Second Stage [Private Members] (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on Deputy McLoughlin’s Bill concerning the prohibition of petroleum exploration and extraction in the Irish onshore. It is right that we debate this matter and properly examine the issues and concerns surrounding potential use of unconventional gas exploration and extraction technology in Ireland, also known as fracking. As a Deputy, I...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: National Broadband Plan Implementation (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.  This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: National Broadband Plan Implementation (27 Oct 2016)

Denis Naughten: The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.  This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where...