Results 1,661-1,680 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Consumption: Energy Consumption (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In line with the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that the ESB installs smart electronic meters in every home, I have requested my Department to work as a priority with ESB Networks, Commission for Energy Regulation and Sustainable Energy Ireland to expedite a costed national smart meter roll-out programme, building on research and pilot projects to date as well as best...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The commitment in The Programme for Government and the Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020, to the development of alternative energy resources is being underpinned by a range of support programmes and strategies for renewable energy development and deployment. This includes wind, ocean and bioenergy, all of which represent significant opportunities for Ireland to reduce dependence on fossil...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Energy Research and Innovation is a key part of both the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy 2006-2013 and the National Development Plan, reflecting the vital importance of the energy sector and the imperative to deliver sustainable, competitive and secure energy supplies for the economy and society. Our ambitious targets for renewable energy and climate change as reflected in the...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In line with the Programme for Government published in June of this year, I am committed to working with the European Commission and other Member States to progress the scope for a European offshore wind farm grid connection system. Ireland's position on the EU potential will be informed by the all-island grid study, which is due to be completed shortly and by the Grid Development Strategy...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Programme for Government commits to establishing an Ocean Energy Development Unit. I have asked my Department to engage with the relevant players in this area including third level institutions currently involved in the ocean energy research area, Sustainable Energy Ireland, and the Marine Institute with a view to finalising the scope and locus of the Ocean Energy Development Unit and to...

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State. Last year, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) directed Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) to...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Primary responsibility for consumer protection falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the National Consumer Agency. A function of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is the investigation of complaints from consumers in relation to the supply of, and access to, electronic communications networks, electronic communications...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Responsibility for the regulation of the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications services, including subscription-based services, is a matter for the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecommunications Services Limited (Regtel), an independent self-regulatory body. Regtel does not report to me as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The area of consumer...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Under the Pilot Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme there were three successful companies awarded excise relief in the biodiesel category. The companies in question were Conoco Phillips who were awarded excise relief on the production of 880,000 litres of biodiesel, Eco Ola who were awarded excise relief on the production of 270,000 litres of biodiesel and Greyhound Recycling and Recovery...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The procurement process for a new National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The procurement process is being undertaken pursuant to the European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006 using a competitive dialogue procurement process. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: 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, ComReg, the independent regulator. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies. As a private company, Eircom is not...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The draft third postal directive, which is currently being discussed at the European Council and European Parliament, proposes to remove the reserved area and fully open the postal market to competition. This, I anticipate, will deliver benefits to the consumer in the same way that the liberalisation of other sectors such as the telecommunications sector have. The draft directive also...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (26 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The matter of the electronic upgrading and expansion of post offices is an operational issue for the board and management of An Post. I have no statutory function in relation to this matter.

Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (27 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: This case relates to the drafting and acceptance by the relevant parties of a lease in respect of the proposed breakwater at Buncrana. The Council requested a reduction or total waiver of foreshore charges on the basis that the facility was to be used by the RNLI. Following extensive discussions and as an exceptional matter, the Department, with the agreement of the Department of Finance,...

Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (27 Sep 2007)

Eamon Ryan: There are two aspects to the question put down by the Deputy. The first relates to siltation at the harbour and in this regard a Dumping at Sea Permit was issued to the council on 22 December 2006 to facilitate maintenance dredging. The second aspect relates to the drafting and acceptance by the relevant parties of a lease in respect of the proposed breakwater at Buncrana. The council...

Written Answers — Renewable Energy: Renewable Energy (2 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Greener Homes Scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and has been very successful since its launch in March 2006. The programme includes grants for wood chip and wood pellet boilers and stoves, solar and heat pump technologies. The aim of this scheme was to stimulate demand for renewable heat technologies in homes. The demand is clear, with 16,000 grants approved to...

Written Answers — Broadband Services: Broadband Services (2 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (2 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 531 together. In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard, and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (2 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below: Body Name and date of appointment Digital Hub Development Agency Ms Alice Davis 09/08/07 ESB Mr. Padraig McManus 20/07/07 Sustainable Energy Ireland Mr. Brendan Halligan 28/09/07 South Western Regional Fisheries Board Mr. John Martin 12/09/07

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (2 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: All monies have been paid to the group on the basis of the vouched eligible capital expenditure documentation it submitted to my Department. Under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS), projects were approved for a capped amount of grant aid based on the project and financial plans. The draw down of such grant aid was, however, conditional on the production of documentation to vouch that the...