Results 1,361-1,380 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (17 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 181 together. I have provided the information requested in respect of land and buildings disposed of under the headings of foreshore and the fishery harbour centres. My Department is assessing the possible scope for a further more detailed reply in relation to disposals, if any, of other assets over the period, subject to the availability of the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (17 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of broadband facilities is a matter in the first instance for the private sector telecommunications companies operating in a fully liberalised market. A number of factors determine where and when broadband services are offered in any area, including the potential number of customers, the level of investment required and so on. My Department's regional broadband programme is...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (18 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Content broadcast on RTE's television channels, along with channels licensed by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, is subject to Irish codes and rules for television programmes. There are, however, many other channels available to Irish viewers on pay television platforms. Such channels are subject to the regulations of the country from which they originate and are not subject to Irish...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (18 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I understand that the telephone exchanges serving the Palmerstown area have been enabled for the provision of DSL broadband, and a number of service providers are marketing broadband in the area. While the principal broadband technology in use in Ireland is digital subscriber line, DSL, which is also the situation in most European countries, there are technical limitations to the service,...

Written Answers — Departmental Reviews: Departmental Reviews (18 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I cannot forecast when a decision will be made. While the report I am reviewing covered a wide range of complex and difficult issues, including legal matters, there are also some further questions and consultations required as part of the deliberation process. I will make a decision when I am satisfied all the relevant information is available and necessary consultations and legal...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (18 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a viable nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of public and private sector business handled by the network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining a nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The metropolitan area networks are managed by e-Net, which holds the services concession contract. The contract provides for a return to the Minister on operating revenues received by the company. There was no payment in respect of the operation of the metropolitan area networks to the end of 2004. The first payment is expected to be made in the latter part of 2005.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: A total of €64 million of European Regional Development Fund and Government funding was invested in the first phase of the metropolitan area networks programme in the years 2003 and 2004. A multi-annual budget of €105 million, or €35 million for each of the three years 2005-2007, has been set aside for the second phase of the MANs programme. A sum of €25 million has been earmarked for...

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: My responsibility as regards health issues of mobile phone masts, electricity pylons and sub-stations relates solely to the electromagnetic fields emanating from these facilities. My Department maintains a watching scientific brief in this regard and there is no scientific or medical evidence that electromagnetic fields from such installations, below the level of internationally recognised...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The Irish Domain Registry, more commonly known as the IEDR, is a private sector not-for-profit company which manages the top-level domain name, ".ie". I have no function in relation to the day to day management of the IEDR and I am not aware of any ongoing administrative and accounting problems at the company. As regards the oversight of the domain registry, I intend to bring proposals...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Digital television services are available in Ireland through a number of cable and satellite networks. The terrestrial broadcasting system is an analogue platform and it will be necessary to upgrade this platform to a digital terrestrial platform over time. I am examining options in this regard, and I have asked my Department to develop a digital terrestrial television pilot to explore...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I share with An Post the view that, for our post offices to continue to remain attractive to customers, the company must upgrade its IT systems. Such an upgrade would offer an enhanced suite of financial and other services and high grade electronic funds transfers, EFT, functionality to social welfare customers via post offices. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the post office...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to Question No. 234 answered on 18 May 2005.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The promotion of renewable energy technologies in electricity production is a key priority of this Government. This priority is shared by European Community institutions that have addressed Directive 2001/77/EC — the renewables directive — to all member states to increase the consumption of green electricity by 2010. The obligation addressed to Ireland is to deliver a programme capable of...

Written Answers — Electronic Communications Infrastructure: Electronic Communications Infrastructure (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have read the latest figures from EUROSTAT, which indicate that the level of Irish households with Internet access is 40%. The same EUROSTAT report shows that 32% of all enterprises have a broadband connection, 92% of enterprises have Internet access — the figure for large enterprises is 100% — and 27% of individuals regularly use the Internet. The provision of broadband is a matter in...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (24 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Issues pertaining to operational matters are the responsibility of An Post. I have no statutory function in this area.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (25 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, the independent regulator. There are several service providers who offer DSL broadband in the Hacketstown area. Full details of these can be found on my...

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (25 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Over the life of the Corrib field it will contribute to reduced importation of natural gas and an enhancement of our security of supply of energy. The construction work will contribute to Exchequer income from corporation, payroll and indirect taxation in so far as it relies on sourcing of Irish skills, staff and material. Operations will similarly contribute to the Exchequer and will also...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (25 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, the independent regulator. It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (26 May 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together. I do not have plans to amend the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927 regarding the issues raised by the Deputies. The siting of ESB infrastructure is a day-to-day operational matter for the company and not one in which I have a function. I understand from the ESB that the current position is that ESB Networks carries out statutory duties in...