Results 1,481-1,500 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Telecommunications Services. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: The preferred bidder was chosen last July.

Telecommunications Services. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: We spent three hours yesterday in a committee with Eircom discussing the problems with rolling out next generation broadband infrastructure into rural Ireland. The State has spent €80 million putting in place that infrastructure and we are not lighting it up. It is nine months since the preferred tender was chosen and we have still not put in place a contract to make it happen.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Is it possible to oppose that?

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Will we have enough time to deal with all of the questions?

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Indeed.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: I would like to focus on electricity pricing, because there seems to be some confusion in that regard. The justification for the 10% reduction in the ESB domestic electricity price by the Regulator is explained by — as the Minister of State has just said — deferring distribution and network charges the ESB would be charging users. Therefore, the Minister of State is saying the reduction...

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: The Minister of State is missing the point. We are not seeing a reduction in the price of electricity. I accept we are seeing an adjustment in price in domestic electricity bills, but that is only because the ESB is deferring the distribution and network charges it applies. We are not seeing cheaper electricity being produced here as a result of the collapse in the cost of the fuel used to...

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Not ESB customers.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Not the ESB. It is the largest producer, but it cannot reduce its price.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: The question of the commercial and industrial price of electricity is where the problem lies in terms of competitiveness and jobs. It costs almost twice as much to power a business in Ireland as in a place like Manchester, Liverpool or wherever. Does the deferral of distribution and network costs in the domestic sector also apply to the industrial sector?

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Does that mean it does not apply?

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: I want to be helpful on this matter.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: I am sorry.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: With respect, I want to make sure we are not misleading the House. The price reductions only apply to domestic ESB bills and are being justified by the regulator on the basis of the ESB deferring what it charges to itself, between power generation and networks and distribution.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: In an effort to lower electricity prices in the commercial sector also, will the Government seek to have distribution and network charges in the industrial sector deferred in an effort to give the economy a competitiveness injection to reduce prices, if this is not already happening? The Minister of State says it is but I suspect it is not.

Energy Costs. (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: The Minister of State will know the ESB does not have a majority stake in the industrial-commercial sector. There is free competition and, as is correct, the ESB's market share in this area has fallen because of competition. There is now competition in the domestic electricity supply market. I am concerned about the ESB's future in terms of power generation because the Government, through...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Question 15: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the mobile broadband solution being adopted by the national broadband scheme will be capable of providing acceptable broadband speeds to deliver next generation broadband to rural parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10414/09]

Written Answers — Aquaculture Development: Aquaculture Development (24 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Question 60: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the interpretation of EU Directives is posing a threat to the future of mussel fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11911/09]

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: How will the Government do it?

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Simon Coveney: Yes we can.