Results 2,001-2,020 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (23 Sep 2014)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 526, 528 and 533 together. The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (23 Sep 2014)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 529 together. The National Broadband Plan contains very clear commitments from Government to invest in areas of the country where high speed broadband services are not, or will not, be made available through commercial investment. The precise amount of the contribution from the State will be informed by the mapping process, through detailed...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (23 Sep 2014)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 531 together. The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Semi-State Bodies Remuneration (23 Sep 2014)

Alex White: All directions issued by the Government in relation to remuneration of staff in Semi State Companies have been brought to the attention of the relevant State Companies. The information sought by the Deputy regarding payments to staff by Semi State Companies is an operational matter for each Company. I will, therefore, request the relevant State Companies to reply directly to the Deputy with...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Agencies Staff Remuneration (23 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The salary rate for CEOs of Commercial Semi State Companies under the aegis of my Department is as set out in the table. Salary Rate for CEOs of Commercial State Companies Name of Company New Appointment Rate An Post €240,448 Ervia €250,000 Bord na Móna €231,000 EirGrid €170,000 ESB €295,000 RTÉ €219,871 TG4 €139,104The...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Speeds (18 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Details of commercial services available in each county can be found on a number of websites, including the websites of individual operators. ...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: National Broadband Plan Implementation (18 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Developments in the broadband market over recent years means that there is now a choice of commercial operators offering broadband services over...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Liquified Natural Gas Terminal (18 Sep 2014)

Alex White: Since 2002, the regulation of the gas market has been the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is independent in the performance of its functions. I have no direct statutory function in relation to liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, including specific projects such as the Shannon LNG project. I and my Government colleagues have consistently been supportive...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Records (18 Sep 2014)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together. Storage of all current files and records is an integral part of the fabric and facilities of the buildings occupied by the Department. These buildings and facilities are provided via the Office of Public Works. In that regard, storage is one of the many elements of the facilities within the buildings which support the day to day...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1626 and 1632 together. The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Public Service Broadcasting Charge (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services.In line...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Postcode Implementation (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: In December 2013 a ten-year contract with Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited was signed under which the company will develop, roll-out and operate the National Postcode System following a public procurement process. The design of the Postcode was approved by Government last April and the ‘Eircode’ brand was launched for the National Postcode System on 28 April....

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadcasting Service Provision (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: Sections 125 and 126 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 make the necessary provision to allow for the development of an Oireachtas TV channel to be known as the “Houses of the Oireachtas Channel” on the SAORVIEW TV network. The legislation provides that the channel should be established by the Commission of the Houses of the Oireachtas and that the oversight of the channel should be...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Electricity Transmission Network (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The matter of setback distances from high voltage transmission pylons is not one in which I, as Minister, have a role of function. While the distances are not prescribed in law I understand that both Eirgrid and ESB Networks (ESBN) operate in accordance with strict guidelines on separation distances. I have referred the matter to both Eirgrid and ESBN and I have asked them to respond directly...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Prices (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 1 of 17 July 2014. While I am acutely aware of the financial challenges faced by many families at the current time, I have no statutory function in the monitoring or setting of electricity prices. Responsibility for the regulation of these markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body....

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Wind Energy Generation (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: Interconnector trading is an operational matter for EirGrid and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function. Information in relation to the East West Interconnector, including the current electricity transfer in MW, is available on Eirgrid's website at . The Single Electricity Market (SEM) is the wholesale electricity market for the island of Ireland, regulated jointly by the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Staff Data (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The information requested is set out in the following table. Year No. of staff departures Total annual salaries associated with departing staff 2013 – July to Dec inc 7 €531,000 2014 16 €1,582,000 2015 1 €27,000 2016 3 €115,000 Figures for 2013 and 2014 are based on departures to date and include expected departures to end of 2014. It is not...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Staff Recruitment (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The tables below set out the number of new staff employed in 2013 and 2014 in my Department and the annual cumulative costs arising from these hires: Number of new staff Annual salary cost 1/7/13 – 31/12/13 3* €281,173 1/1/14 to date 12** €471,840 *Two of which were to replace existing staff. ** Four of which were to replace existing staff and a further four of...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Policy Review (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The consultation process on the Green Paper on Energy Policy has given rise to a wide range of contributions on energy policy which my Department is currently considering. These will form a valuable input to the development of an Energy White Paper which will be published next year. In terms of electricity infrastructure, I should highlight that the Grid25 project is EirGrid’s plan...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Telecommunications Services Provision (17 Sep 2014)

Alex White: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Developments in the broadband market over recent years means that there is now a choice of commercial operators offering broadband services over...