Results 15,461-15,480 of 21,588 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Electricity Generation (18 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 632 together. EirGrid, the National Transmission System Operator (TSO) advises that the current peak generating capacity (excluding wind generation, and interconnector flows) is 6764MW.There are currently 3367MW of wind generation installed. The output from wind turbines is intermittent, and cannot be fully relied upon from a system security...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Electricity Transmission Network (18 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: I propose to take Questions Nos. 630 and 631 together. Ireland’s energy policy emphasises the important role of interconnection in the transition to a low carbon energy future. One of the key requirements identified in the 2015 Energy White Paper is the need for appropriate energy infrastructure, including energy networks and interconnection with other countries’ energy...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (18 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development sets out an ambitious long-term commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland by at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and, in parallel, to pursue an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector,...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Renewable Energy Generation (18 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: Latest data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)  indicate that waste to energy accounted for 1% of gross final electricity consumption in Ireland in 2017, with a  total of 78 MW installed generation capacity from the municipal waste to energy plants in Co. Meath (17 MW) and the Dublin Waste to Energy facility (61 MW). In addition, I understand...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Policy (18 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Energy White Paper presents a long-term strategic vision that is intended to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. At its heart is a commitment to transform Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050 and envisages a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy system by 80-95% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. The White Paper identifies the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: National Broadband Plan Implementation (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. The premises of the Deputy’s constituent is in an AMBER area according to my Department’s High Speed...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involves examining how best to support the development of alternative transport fuels including compressed natural gas. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focused on electric vehicles, is currently nearing completion. The second phase, which will commence...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Media Pluralism (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: I thank the Senator for raising this matter. These issues, among others, have also been raised by NewsBrands and Local Ireland as part of their Journalism Matters campaign. The composition of Departments and their remits are matters solely for An Taoiseach. Therefore, the extension of my Department’s remit and the appointment of an official to take responsibility for all elements of...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Media Pluralism (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: That is above my pay grade. It is a matter for the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Media Pluralism (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: It is probably a matter for consideration in forthcoming manifestos whenever the election takes place. It is something I am conscious of and that is why I have decided to establish this bursary. I hope I will have the support of colleagues in the House when I bring this legislation forward. Hopefully, that can act as a building block to expand it further.

Seanad: Post Office Closures: Motion (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Senator is in full flow. I would not like to interrupt him.

Seanad: Post Office Closures: Motion (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: I thank colleagues who have contributed and I know more will speak later. My priority is to try to maintain as many post offices as possible. On Senator Ó Céidigh's point, we have a clear blueprint in place that will bring new business in. We are the only universal service obligation postal service in the world that has expanded its service over the past six months. It has gone...

Seanad: Post Office Closures: Motion (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Senator should read the record of what I said.

Seanad: Post Office Closures: Motion (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: No, the Senator should read the record.

Seanad: Post Office Closures: Motion (19 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Senator should read the record.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Departmental Properties (20 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: All property occupied by my Department is either leased or owned by the Office of Public Works and my Department has no vacant sites, property or land owned in County Meath or elsewhere in the country. The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency.  My Department will request the relevant...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: National Broadband Plan Administration (20 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location.  The NBP is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. Commercial operators have invested over €2.75bn in upgrading and modernising their networks over the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Broadcasting Service Provision (20 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) provides that Member States may designate sporting and cultural events of major importance to society as free-to-air. At a national level, the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory process for designating events as free-to-air. Under Section 173 (2) of the Act. I am obliged to review the list of designated events every...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Illegal Dumping (20 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to work with local authorities to tackle the problem of illegal dumping and to develop effective deterrents to discourage people from engaging in this anti-social behaviour. In accordance with this commitment, my Department developed an Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Commission for Communications Regulation (20 Sep 2018)

Denis Naughten: The appropriate level of staffing of the Communications Regulator is one of my functions as Minister under section 20 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002. My officials are currently in discussion with the Communications Regulator and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the regulator's resourcing needs.  It would not be appropriate for me to comment...