Results 27,341-27,360 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I am fully supportive of all developments at EU level to protect the rights of energy consumers. In that context Ireland welcomed in 2007 the EU Commission's proposals for the adoption of a non-binding European Charter on the Rights of Energy Consumers. Negotiations are currently underway between the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament on finalisation of the Third...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Section 3(1)(b) of The Broadcasting Act 2007 requires RTÉ to establish and maintain a television broadcasting service and a sound broadcasting service, which services shall be made available, in so far as the RTÉ Authority considers reasonably practicable, to Irish communities outside the island of Ireland. In this regard, RTÉ has reviewed the potential for providing these services over...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I can advise the Deputy that following an examination of the payment records of my Department there is no record of any funds being advanced for the purpose referred to.

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: It has been long-standing Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focussed network of post offices. While the Government will support An Post and its network in any way it can, it is the responsibility of the board and management...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: There are approximately 1,400 megawatts (MW) of renewables connected to the grid. In excess of 1,000MW is wind with hydro, contributing approximately 238MW. The remainder comprises biomass and biogas. EirGrid publishes detailed data on wind-farms in the connection process on its website www.eirgrid.com. The latest data published, updated to December 2008, records that a total of c.1,000 MW...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 220 together. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding the quality of services and coverage in the mobile phone market, is the responsibility of the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the...

Written Answers — Bio-fuels Industry: Bio-fuels Industry (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 224 and 225 together. The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes resulted in 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. Of these projects there are four in the biodiesel category, four in the bioethanol category, five in the pure plant oil category and five in the captive fleets category. The schemes were designed as interim measures...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 221 together. At my request a number of weeks ago, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) undertook an urgent review of options to bring forward a reduction in energy prices for business and domestic consumers. The need for an early review was underlined by the various cost pressures facing Irish businesses in the present economic climate. The CER...

Written Answers — Energy Infrastructure: Energy Infrastructure (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The South North gas pipeline, constructed by Bord Gáis Éireann (Northern Ireland), and running from Gormanstown in County Meath to Ballyclare in County Antrim has been in operation since October 2006 The East-West and North-South electricity Interconnector projects are of strategic national importance and are key Government priorities. EirGrid is conducting consultations and preparing a...

Written Answers — Fuel Prices: Fuel Prices (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. There is no price control on petroleum products and it has been the policy of successive Governments to promote the model of free and fair competition with the objective of creating greater price competition and wide consumer...

Written Answers — Departmental Licences: Departmental Licences (12 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (11 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The enabling of exchanges for broadband purposes is a matter for the owners of the relevant exchanges. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges for broadband. My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (11 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator and are therefore independent in the performance of their functions. I launched the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) on the January 22nd this year. My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for...

Written Answers — Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency (11 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Together with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I recently launched the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery. The three-pronged Programme underpins the Government's commitment to improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock whilst reducing our carbon emissions and creating employment in the energy services sector. The Home Energy Saving...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (11 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: Section 3(1)(b) of The Broadcasting Act 2007 requires RTÉ to establish and maintain a television broadcasting service and a sound broadcasting service, which services shall be made available, in so far as the RTÉ Authority considers reasonably practicable, to Irish communities outside the island of Ireland. In this regard, RTÉ has reviewed the potential for providing these services over...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (11 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together. Following the conclusion of a competitive tendering process, my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS will deliver broadband to certain targeted areas in Ireland in which broadband services are not available. 3 will be...

Written Answers — Compulsory Retirement Age: Compulsory Retirement Age (11 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: There are currently 22 Civil Servants employed in my Department who are not subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years and who are free to continue at work after age 65 years, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 2004. Of this number, 14 are female and 8 are male.

Written Answers — Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency (10 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415 and 434 together. The Home Energy Saving Scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers and heating controls. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) advised on the measures for inclusion in the scheme. SEI has built up a considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters as part of their...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (10 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020, which will represent up to 250,000 cars on Irish roads over the next 12 years. This scale of deployment of electric vehicles will have a very positive impact in terms of reducing carbon emissions and Ireland's reliance on imported fossil fuels in the transport sector. Key initiatives to advance this...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (10 Mar 2009)

Eamon Ryan: The Government's Greener Homes Scheme, administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland, provides support to individuals wishing to install renewable energy heating technologies in their homes. This scheme, now in operation since early 2006, has underpinned the establishment of a strong supply industry for renewable energy products, services and fuels. The application of strict product standards,...