Results 27,141-27,160 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Digital Hub: Digital Hub (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In accordance with the policy set out in the publication "Building Ireland's Smart Economy - A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal", the roll out of the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) and the development of the Digital Hub are continuing with the support of my Department. The mission of the NDRC is to create market capital in the form of increased follow-on investment and job...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Under Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme twenty-seven MANs have been constructed. All twenty-seven are operational and open for business. The construction of an additional 59 MANs covering 65 towns has been completed under Phase II of the Programme and the construction of the final Phase II MAN is expected to be completed in early 2010. The MANs were constructed in...

Written Answers — Carbon Storage: Carbon Storage (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The project is a joint one between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) of my Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is comprised of two parts. The first is the creation of a 3D model of the subsurface. This is being undertaken by consultants funded by the EPA. The second part consists of drilling investigations. This is being undertaken by GSI using existing...

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

Eamon Ryan: All equipment installed with grant support under the Greener Homes Scheme must meet minimum quality and performance standards. Sustainable Energy Ireland's Renewable Energy Information Office maintains a list of renewable equipment and its suppliers. Only equipment on this list will be eligible for a grant under the Scheme. To be eligible for inclusion on the list, the equipment must: Meet...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Technical difficulties associated with the provision of broadband service are matters for the relevant service providers. The following list, from my Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie details the availability of...

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

Eamon Ryan: The multi annual Ocean Energy Package, which I launched last year, involves a number of initiatives to harness Ireland's ocean energy resources to contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets and to develop the considerable potential for inward investment and enterprise activity in support of sustainable economic renewal. The establishment of the Ocean Energy Development Unit based in...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The 100Mbps to post-primary schools project will involve an initial demonstration project in 2009 to guide its wider roll out. The finer details of the demonstration project are expected to be finalised shortly and the relevant procurement processes will commence thereafter.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The scheme of Accelerated Capital Allowances for Energy Efficient Equipment (ACA scheme) was introduced in section 46 of the Finance Act 2008. This provision allowed companies to claim the full cost of qualifying equipment against their Corporation Tax liabilities in the year of purchase of the equipment. Normally such costs would be claimed over a period of eight years. This tax...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken a variety of initiatives to improve broadband coverage. These initiatives have helped to facilitate the development of the market to the point where over 62% of Irish households now have a broadband connection. Additionally, ComReg's quarterly report for...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 526 together. In July 2008 I published a consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband. One of the proposals in this paper is to establish a one-stop-shop to provide electronic communications service providers with flexible and open access to existing and future State ducting infrastructure to facilitate the provision of backhaul. The proposal for...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 to 524, inclusive, together. The telecommunications industry in Ireland is fully liberalised. All electronic communications service providers, including eircom, are subject to an EU regulatory framework for electronic communications and services. The former monopoly privilege that was enjoyed by eircom prior to liberalisation no longer applies. Telecoms...

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

Eamon Ryan: The identification of records prior to January 2007 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. However, if the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries. The table below contains details of legal costs incurred by my Department from January 2007 to date. Any such expenditure by the bodies under the...

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I welcome the opportunity to speak on what are crucial issues for our country, namely, where we get our energy supplies from, how we can maintain security of supply, be competitive and meet our climate change targets. Although it may have moved down the agenda in some peoples' minds in the last six months or so, given the economic crisis which has developed and oil prices having come down...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In respect of amendment No. 36, as proposed by Deputy McManus, on the duties of broadcasters under section 39(1)(d), I would argue that the rewording of this paragraph on Committee Stage by the substitution of "causing harm and offence" for "offending against good taste or decency" in effect covers the issues of anti-social behaviour and bullying. Broadcasters would be under a duty not to...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I would agree with Deputy McManus. I would refer to section 26(2)(c), which empowers the BAI to conduct that research. I agree that if it is not measured, it is hard to know the effect. However, there is provision in the Bill for such research to be done.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Deputy Coveney is correct in claiming there are examples elsewhere of much more lenient and flexible advertising regimes in broadcasting. Ireland, however, has one of the highest radio listenership in Europe and I believe this has been achieved on the back of good regulation. Listeners have much loyalty to our radio stations; they are not tuning in to hear advertising but people...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: We are not seeking a complete clampdown on radio stations so that any oversight leads to immediate revocation of a licence. In 2008, 11 stations were notified of 50 breaches to the ten minute rule. Common breaches included sponsorship announcements, competition announcements and other mechanisms, which were in effect advertising, not being included in the minutes, incorrect timing of...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: This is a sensitive and, in some ways, difficult issue, which we rightly considered in depth on Committee Stage. Further consideration has been given to the amendments tabled by Deputy Coveney and myself. Section 24 of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960, as extended by section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act 1988, provides that a broadcaster shall not accept any advertisement directed...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: To clarify, it is not legal advice, it is in consultation with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, which has been engaged, as Deputy McManus indicated, in a multitude of cases such as the advertising of a crib. Under the existing legislation the commission tries to interpret the direction of the Oireachtas, including what is included in specific provisions, as that is part of its...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (6 May 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I move amendment No. 41: In page 44, to delete lines 46 to 49 and in page 45, to delete lines 1 and 2.