Results 27,121-27,140 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Everything we are doing is aimed at reducing prices in line with sound energy policy. It was intervention from the political system on this side which caused the regulator and the ESB to work towards achieving these reductions.

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The competition we are achieving means industrial users have seen an approximate 25% decrease in electricity prices.

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: We have a competitive electricity market which is due to sound energy policy rather than soundbites that mean nothing and have no substance. The development of renewables is a way of bringing down electricity and gas prices, as well as tackling climate change. The Deputy does not seem to get the message that tackling climate change does not have to be expensive; it saves us money.

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: We are meeting our targets for the development of renewables, including wind energy project connections. While the United Kingdom has languished with low single figures, we are at a figure of up to 13% and will meet the 15% target next year.

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: If one talks to people who know something about what is happening with electricity prices, they say this is bringing down prices. We have introduced a single electricity market - an all-island system. This gives a clear indication of what is happening and shows that prices are coming down due to a more competitive market with increased use of renewables and by having a Government which...

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I could not have been more clear.

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I want cheaper energy supplies; as such I am committed to bringing down energy prices. The way to do this is by developing renewable energy sources, which represent the cheapest, most secure and cleanest supplies we have.

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: To do this, we need to build a grid. Instead of opposing it, which the Deputy's party has done consistently-----

Energy Prices. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: -----it might support the policies we are adopting which would bring down prices and help the country by having a vision for the future, rather than focusing on short-term political gain.

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I have read with considerable interest the report of the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security on electric vehicles and I am grateful to members of the committee for their valuable contribution. The recommendations made in the report are being considered in the context of our work to implement an overall strategy for electric vehicles. Much of the report resonates with the...

Alternative Energy Projects. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I welcome the report of the Oireachtas committee which is progressive and in line with our thinking. I also welcome the suggestion of close co-operation with Northern Ireland and agree with the Deputy that it makes sense for us to develop this as an all-island project. As an island nation, we have an advantage in that there are certain distance limitations which mean that, as battery...

Telecommunications Services. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of broadband is generally a matter for the service providers. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector. ComReg is charged with promoting competition, encouraging efficient investment in infrastructure and promoting innovation. Urban areas, because of the density of population, residential homes and...

Telecommunications Services. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I appreciate the Deputy's earlier comments and agree with him on the need for high-speed broadband, which will be crucial infrastructure for the development of our economy. It is important to remember that 70% of houses have a computer and this is one of our difficulties. We need to expand not just our broadband but the whole digitalisation of our economy and society and to continue to ramp...

Telecommunications Services. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The contracts will be signed with an eye to the taxpayer's interest to ensure good value for money. The only reason for the delay is to get it right for the taxpayer. In terms of next generation networks, the Department is working at full stretch in terms of how to deliver open access fibre in our planning regulations. It is working with the National Roads Authority, the rail companies and...

Telecommunications Services. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In terms of backhaul, there is State-owned infrastructure in use that is effective and offers very fast backhaul speed, for example, the like of the ESB or CIE networks being used to provide backhaul.

Telecommunications Services. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Existing State infrastructure is being used in that fashion. In terms of developments since we published the paper last year, I should have mentioned earlier some of the real developments on the ground. We have a ship steaming towards Ireland currently to lay a cable connecting Ireland to North America, Project Kevlin, which will run from the north west down to the east coast and provide...

Telecommunications Services. (12 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: We are doing that and it will be part of the process. We will publish that map and then work with the telecommunications industry to get it together in the most effective manner.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (7 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Since the formation of my Department in June 2007 the appointment of one civil servant was terminated. This termination occurred during the probationary period of the officer involved.

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In keeping with the commitment in "Building Ireland's Smart Economy" – A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal", a Knowledge Society Strategy report will be published this summer following completion of stakeholder consultations. This report will focus on enabling technologies to advance Ireland as a smart economy. A comprehensive and wider ranging Knowledge Society Strategy will be...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Together with the Minister for Transport, I announced plans last year for the large scale deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland. The target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020 will represent up to 250,000 cars on Irish roads over the next 12 years. A number of initiatives to advance the strategy have already been put in place. The Minister for Finance has...