Results 1,781-1,800 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Telecommunications Regulation: Telecommunications Regulation (11 Oct 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 (RegTel), an independent self-regulatory body. RegTel does not report to me as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The area of consumer protection...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department is continuing to undertake a Value for Money and Policy Review on Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks Programme. The review is being carried out in close co-operation with the Department of Finance. This Review, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2007, along with other policy analysis being undertaken at present, will help to inform my decisions on future...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The tender for the provision of the emergency call answering service was launched in September 2007. The closing date for the receipt of applications is the 7th December 2007. It is not possible to provide details of the cost of the provision of the service at this stage. The tender requires a potential operator to detail the transition arrangements for the provision of the new service....

Written Answers — Telecommunications Security: Telecommunications Security (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Security issues in relation to public communications networks provided by eircom and other service providers are matters in the first instance for the service providers who are regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). A function of ComReg is the investigation of complaints from consumers in relation to the supply of, and access to, electronic...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Sector: Telecommunications Sector (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services 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 recently received a discussion paper from eircom on the communications sector in general which includes their proposals to separate its retail...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Deloitte and Touche and William Fry report referred to by the Deputy, was prepared to aid the establishment of TG4 as an independent statutory body. It has always been the intention to publish the report at an appropriate time. TG4 became an independent statutory body from 1 April last, a result of a Government decision taken in July 2006. A Project Management Group, chaired by my...

Written Answers — Biofuels Industry: Biofuels Industry (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 56, 60, 61 and 186 together. The Programme for Government commits to the development of an Irish biofuels industry and to the development and deployment of bio-energy generally in Ireland. In this context, the Government has announced its intention to introduce a Biofuels Obligation in 2009, which will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels...

Written Answers — Energy Market: Energy Market (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 179 together. Preparations are fully in train for the establishment of the Single Electricity Market and actual market trials are underway by the industry North and South in the run-up to the actual commencement date for the market. The market is on track to 'go-live' on 1 November 2007. A formal decision in that regard is to be taken by the two...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: A proposal on postcodes was brought to Government earlier this year. Before the project can proceed however, the Government decided that further analysis and quantification of the benefits of postcodes is required. The upfront cost of establishing a postcode address database, implementing and promoting the postcode has been estimated in the region of €15m. There would also be ongoing...

Written Answers — Renewable Energy Resources: Renewable Energy Resources (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Programme for Government reaffirms the Energy Policy White Paper target for Ireland of 33% of gross electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020. As was clarified at the time, the comment by an officer of Sustainable Energy Ireland earlier this year related to the contribution from renewable energy sources to overall energy use i.e. the electricity, heat and transport...

Written Answers — Water Supply: Water Supply (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Groundwater resources are assessed by the Geological Survey of Ireland, a division of my Department, through their aquifer classification and groundwater vulnerability mapping. Groundwater in Ireland is protected under European Community and national legislation, and local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency are responsible for enforcing this legislation. The Geological...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 62 together. The programme for Government commits to developing Ireland's considerable potential for distributed generation, including micro-generation. In terms of international best practice we have a considerable distance to make up. The first step in implementing the programme for Government commitment, in relation to micro-generation, is the...

Written Answers — Electricity Market: Electricity Market (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: As a peripheral island energy market, Ireland fully supports the progressive integration of European markets and European energy networks. The Energy Policy White Paper underlines the Government's commitment to the progressive development of a regional electricity market with UK and North West Europe over the coming years The all-island Single Electricity Market from November this year and...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Government's objective for Bord na Móna is to ensure the long-term viability of the company having regard to the finite nature of its existing businesses. It was clear in 2005 that new strategic directions were needed to ensure a sustainable future for the company. With Government approval, Bord na Móna is actively developing opportunities in the renewable energy, waste management and...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The commercial development of a proposed large scale wind-farm on the Arklow Banks is primarily a matter for the project developers. A proposal for a smaller phase 1 project of 25 megawatts (MW) on the same site has been submitted into the offshore wind category of round 6 of the Alternative Energy Requirement support programme (AER 6), operated by my Department. Evaluation of applications in...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (11 Oct 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 mandated my Department to work as a priority with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), ESB Networks, and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to expedite a costed national smart meter roll-out programme, building on research and pilot projects to date as well...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 190 together. The Programme for Government commits to a range of measures included in the White Paper on Energy, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the energy sector. Alternative energy development is critical to addressing the key challenges of climate change, competitiveness and security of energy supply. The White Paper...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I am confident we can meet the Renewable and Climate Change targets in the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy and the Programme for Government. The targets should not be seen as a limit on our ambitions but rather a baseline from which further progress can be achieved. The Government has also set a national target of a 20% reduction in energy demand across the economy by 2020,...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Oireachtas has decided, through various broadcasting legislation that broadcasters cannot accept advertisements which are directed towards any religious or political end or has any relation to any industrial dispute. Section 9 of the General Advertising Code prepared by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland under section 19(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001 and published in April 2007...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (11 Oct 2007)

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