Results 1,801-1,820 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

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

Eamon Ryan: The draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill, which proposes the establishment of a single broadcasting content regulator to be known as the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in September 2006 for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative. The Joint Oireachtas...

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

Eamon Ryan: The development of the second electricity interconnector with Northern Ireland is being undertaken jointly by the independent system operator, EirGrid, and its northern counterpart SONI. The most recent progress report provided by EirGrid to my Department indicates that considerable preparatory work is now underway. Issues currently being progressed include the examination of tower types,...

Written Answers — Coastal Erosion: Coastal Erosion (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The area at Achill Sound, Westport, Co. Mayo is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the Local Authority in the first instance. The Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme has already been announced for 2007. Under the terms of the Programme, all Coastal Local Authorities are invited to submit funding priorities for each...

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

Eamon Ryan: The Government is giving high priority to the development of the East West electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain. The Energy Policy White Paper and the Programme for Government underline this commitment, which will contribute to security of supply and competitiveness. Greater interconnection between Member States is also a key priority for the European Union to ensure the...

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

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together. 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...

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

Eamon Ryan: The universal service obligation, enshrined in European and Irish law, provides that each Member State is obliged to provide a postal service whereby the minimum level of service that must be provided is a clearance and delivery every working day to the home or premises of every person. Under Irish regulations, An Post is designated as the Universal Service provider. There are no plans to...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The number of post office closures and the retention of the maximum number of post offices and sub-post offices are operational matters for the Board and management of An Post and ones in which I have no statutory function. As set out in Section 12(3) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 "the company shall have power to do anything which appears to it to be requisite,...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In regard to the retention of post offices in the future, this is a matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. As is set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to ensuring that Irish customers continue to enjoy high quality postal services. The current regulatory framework, which is enshrined in EU and Irish law,...

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

Eamon Ryan: The intention of Greener Homes scheme is to stimulate consumer investment in renewable heating solutions and to develop the market for renewable technologies and fuels, thereby reducing CO2 emissions in the domestic sector. Over 16,000 grants were approved under Phase I which ran from April 2006 to August 2007. Since the scheme was launched there has been a dramatic increase in renewable...

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

Eamon Ryan: The task of providing a competitive, secure, and sustainable energy future for Ireland poses considerable challenges for Ireland's electricity industry. It also presents exciting opportunities for the sector. Both EirGrid and ESB have critical roles to play. The ESB Group will remain a strong, commercially viable and integrated entity with a leading role to play in supporting the...

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

Eamon Ryan: I understand that the Deputy is referring to a connection for a new site or facility to the ESB Distribution Network. ESB connections are a day-to-day operational matter for the ESB and not one in which I have a function.

Written Answers — Mineral Exploration: Mineral Exploration (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Last week I announced a new Licensing Round opening acreage in the Porcupine Basin to the west of Ireland for exploration for oil and gas. The area covers unlicensed blocks in an area of approximately 63,500 square kilometres. The Porcupine Licensing Round is part of an ongoing strategy of offering regular opportunities for licensing in the basins of the Atlantic Margin. Ireland's oil and...

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 quality...

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (16 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The treatment of payments made from the Salmon Hardship Fund for tax purposes is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners in their assessment of each individual's liabilities. I am advised, however, that the Revenue Commissioners have indicated that payments from the Hardship Fund will be taxable on recipients as income in the year of receipt. Therefore, commercial fishermen will have to...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (16 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is currently working with many hotels through the "Energy Supports for Business Programme". This programme helps hotels and other businesses interested in reducing their energy costs through increased efficiency. The programme provides on-site energy assessments and tailored training sessions, and the hotel and hospitality sectors are one of the strongest...

Written Answers — Official Complaints: Official Complaints (16 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I understand that the complaint in question was addressed to the Office of the Ombudsman. This case is currently being examined by the Office of the Ombudsman and has been the subject of communication between the Department and that Office. Until the Ombudsman's examination has been brought to finality it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the case.

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (16 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Matters relating to individual post offices are operational matters for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (16 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...

Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (16 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Department received an application from Clonakilty Town Council for a foreshore lease for the construction of a tidal barrage at Clonakilty. Following a technical examination of the application by the Department, the Town Council was asked to consider revising the operating conditions applying to the barrage, with a view to ensuring its optimal effectiveness. Proposed revised conditions...