Results 27,781-27,800 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (20 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Department is provided with well results data on a daily real time basis as each well is being drilled and also receives a comprehensive report on the outcome of each drilling operation after drilling has been completed. This information, however, remains confidential for a period of up to five years after drilling has been completed in the case of exploration wells drilled under an...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: My Department does not have or maintain specific data on the cost of producing biofuels either domestically or globally. Production costs for biofuels are individual to each producer and feedstock and vary widely. Also, given that in many cases the biofuel feedstock is an agricultural commodity, the price paid can be dependent on factors at play in the commodities markets. The very sharp...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Nov 2008)

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 — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Two bids from Eircom Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ireland have been received in response to the National Broadband Scheme Invitation to Tender. These bids are currently being evaluated and the evaluation process is scheduled for completion shortly. The preferred bidder is expected to be announced this month.

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 203, inclusive, together. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is implementing a Micro generation Pilot Programme, which will conduct research and field trials, including support for between 50 and 60 installations on a pilot basis. The field trials will address a range of issues including grid connection and technical standards to ensure the power...

Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I thank Deputies for their contributions and the indication of general support for the provisions of the Bill. As Deputy Burke says, it is a short but critical Bill that will provide Bord Gáis Éireann with the ability to increase its capital base from the current level of €1.7 billion to €3 billion. Deputy Burke's last comment related to the cost of energy in the economy and the clear...

Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Referral to Select Committee (19 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in accordance with Standing Order 122(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Financial Resolution (19 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I move: That provision be made in the Act giving effect to this Resolution for the charging in accordance with the Act of certain fees, being fees for services or facilities provided to the public by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, a body provided for in the Act; and for the granting of particular classes of television licences to the holders of television sets.

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In March 2008, I launched a new Home Energy Saving Scheme on a pilot basis to encourage homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by installing or upgrading the insulation, glazing and heating controls in their home. I will be extending this scheme nationally from 2009 and have provided Sustainable Energy Ireland with budget of €20 million for this purpose. The operational...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Households are eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme if in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, invalidity or disability payment. Other benefits may also qualify depending on location. Applications for the scheme are handled by the nearest community based organisation or, where there is no such organisation operating in the area, via the Eaga Partnership. Full details are provided on Sustainable...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland that households are eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme if in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, invalidity or disability payment. Other benefits may also qualify depending on location. Applications for the scheme are handled by the nearest community based organisation or, where there is no such organisation operating in the area, via the Eaga...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In March 2008, I launched a new Home Energy Saving Scheme on a pilot basis to encourage homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by installing or upgrading the insulation, glazing and heating controls in their home. I will be extending this scheme nationally from 2009 and I have provided Sustainable Energy Ireland with budget of €20 million for this purpose. This level of...

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Government is committed to making the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy and will be developing further measures to tackle climate challenge, reduce our purchases of carbon credits and reduce emissions. Fundamental to the Government's climate change agenda is accelerated energy efficiency across the economy and delivery of renewable energy technologies, together with the...

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The statistics in relation to Ireland's energy imports underline the imperative need to reduce the national dependence on fossil fuels. The Government is committed to delivering on ambitious targets for accelerated development of renewable energy, which will progressively, and sustainably, reduce our dependence on imported oil and gas. Installed wind powered electricity generation capacity...

Written Answers — Benchmarking Awards: Benchmarking Awards (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I assume the Deputy's Question relates to the Performance Verification Process that operates as part of the pay increases negotiated in the Towards 2016 National Agreement rather than to the Benchmarking process, which is carried out by the independent Benchmarking Body. Full details of my Department's Action Plan can be found on my Department's website at the following link:...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: 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 telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The widespread provision of...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 514 of 21st October 2008, which conveys the information sought by the Deputy insofar as my Department is concerned.

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (18 Nov 2008)

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. In the following table are details of consultancies for 2007 and to date in 2008. The table contains data on Marine consultancies that were...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 552 of 11th November 2008, which conveys the information sought by the Deputy.

Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Order for Second Stage (18 Nov 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."