Results 1,441-1,460 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 18, 68, 71, 81, 113, 192, 194, 195, 196 and 197 together. There will continue to be a key national role for An Post, both in delivery of mail and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. The market for traditional postal and post office services is changing globally and meeting customer needs has become more...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 22, 27, 65, 72, 82, 89, 109, 173, 176, 181 to 184, inclusive, and 220 together. I have no function in regulating pricing for phone services, market access or market share. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including pricing for mobile services and market access, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware of the report on an electricity supply strategy for the UK published last month and referred to by the Deputy in his question. The report emphasises the importance of investment in energy research and development, suggests that large-scale non-carbon electricity generation will be needed to meet the UK's ambitious CO2 targets and urges a review of the existing regulatory...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 201 and 243 together. Courier services have been used by my Department on a regular basis for the past five years. An Post parcel service is used on an almost daily basis and other courier services are used as required. The amounts paid for the period 2002 to date are as follows: Year An Post Parcel Service Non Post Total â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ 2002...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: While the decision as to whether or not a channel will seek a licence to broadcast from within the Irish State or from outside the State is a matter for the channel concerned, a number of considerations must be borne in mind. Under Article 2 of the television without frontiers directive a channel is deemed to be under the jurisdiction of the State in which it is established. In that regard...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 42 and 110 together. The Deputies should be aware that Ireland is the only country in the EU which does not currently have a national postcode system. The Commission for Communications Regulation, whose remit includes postal issues, produced a report which followed a consultative process held in November 2003. The report is broadly favourable to the...

Written Answers — RTE Authority: RTE Authority (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 80 together. The term of the outgoing RTE Authority expired on 31 May. In accordance with section 4 of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 the appointment of a new authority is a matter for Government. In keeping with normal convention I am consulting with my Cabinet colleagues in relation to the appointment of a new authority and I expect that a new...

Written Answers — Electricity Sector: Electricity Sector (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have appointed Deloitte & Touche to carry out an in-depth independent review of the electricity sector in Ireland. Decisions on the future structure of our electricity sector have major implications for all consumers and for our ability to sustain our economic competitiveness. It is important that such decisions are taken on the basis of robust, independent analysis and advice. I am...

Written Answers — Unsolicited Communications: Unsolicited Communications (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 46, 79, 178 to 180, inclusive, together. My responsibility in relation to the matters raised extends to the development of policy and legislation in relation to the sending of unsolicited e-mails and faxes for direct marketing purposes. The responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation dealing with unsolicited communications for direct marketing...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos 35, 38, 186 and 219 together. My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy, 2003-2005. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 177 together. Legislation is under preparation in my Department to enhance the enforcement powers of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in a number of areas. This legislation, the Electronic Communications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, will render non-compliance with the 2003 electronic communications regulations an offence,...

Written Answers — An Post: An Post (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The financial outturn in 2004 for An Post resulted in operating profits of €1.8 million and an overall profit for the financial year of €6.5 million. This is attributable in large part to a policy of controlled financial management, in line with the recovery strategy that the company implemented throughout 2004 and the non-payment of Sustaining Progress awards and the company's policy of...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 215 together. The telecommunications sector is fully liberalised, and regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. With the repeal of section 111 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 on 25 July 2003, it is no longer necessary to obtain a licence before providing telecommunications networks and...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Work is continuing on the development of legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new broadcasting Bill. The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals are: the establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters; the establishment of RTE as a company under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2003; the provision of a...

Written Answers — Energy Sector: Energy Sector (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 225 together. Since my appointment as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have made it one of my priorities to continue the efforts of my predecessors in securing the development of the all-island energy market. On 22 November 2004, in conjunction with my then Northern counterpart, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and...

Written Answers — Electricity Sector: Electricity Sector (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: My Department signed a contract with Deloitte & Touche on 7 June 2005. Its report on the review of the electricity sector is expected by end December 2005.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The question of the level of economic activity on the metropolitan area networks is a confidential commercial matter for e-Net, the company holding the services concession contract to manage the networks.

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The traditional model of attendance by the chairpersons of commercial State-sponsored bodies was one or two days per month. With the changing market environment in which these bodies now operate and the consequent competitive, regulatory and governance demands, chairpersons have found their roles to be increasingly challenging and time-consuming. It is also the case that attracting suitably...

Written Answers — Digital Hub: Digital Hub (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 200 and 204 together. The digital hub project, managed by the independent Digital Hub Development Agency, has been and continues to be successful in attracting digital industry tenants and operates a number of significant community, educational and promotional initiatives as part of its role. Government funding of approximately €52.4 million has been...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Jun 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 217 together. In March 2004, my predecessor issued a number of policy directions to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, relating to competition, broadband, wholesale and retail line rental, interconnection-leased lines and national and cross-border roaming. The number of broadband customers is increasing rapidly, and has now passed...