Results 27,841-27,860 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: This debate allows us to address a crucial issue in a time of real change in our country. We must get three things right. We must get our finances in order, both in terms of our own budget and in terms of getting saner and sustainable lending going again; we must get real public sector reform; and we must then start to plot a path to economic recovery to allow us generate the wealth that...

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Finland invested in research and development and, in particular, education in order to map out a path to recovery. That is the model we should emulate and we are well placed to do so——

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: ——particularly in the context of our research and development budget.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am totally committed to working with my colleagues, including Deputy Gogarty, others in government, and Members across the Chamber to create the right financial environment to allow us to invest in education.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Such an investment is crucial and it can be delivered in the two to three-year framework within which we must operate.

Written Answers — Electricity Transmission Network: Electricity Transmission Network (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The East-West Interconnector is a 500 MegaWatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and Britain. This project is of vital strategic importance to Ireland and its delivery to schedule by 2012 is a key Government priority. The East West Interconnector will significantly enhance security of supply and will facilitate increased...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and BGÉ gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I have no function in setting or regulating energy prices. In a departure from the normal annual cycle, the CER took early action this year to cushion energy consumers from the unprecedented volatility in international market prices for gas, coal and...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In July 2008, following Government approval, I launched a consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband. One of the proposed policy actions concerns demand stimulation. The advancement and development of eGovernment applications stimulates demand for broadband. In that way it can stimulate broadband investment on a regional basis given the regional reach of Government services. Primary...

Written Answers — Ministerial Engagements: Ministerial Engagements (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I assume the Deputy is referring to the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. I attended once on the 19th of December 2007 at the invitation of the Committee. I am informed by the Clerk of the Committee that it has met 15 times in 2008 and I am happy to attend again at any time at the invitation of the Committee.

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 166 together. The roll out of a national smart meter programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government. The Smart Meter programme is a central component of our strategy to significantly enhance management of energy demand and to achieve greater energy efficiency through...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Government has announced that the target of 33% renewable energy in electricity by 2020 has been increased to 40%. The increased target sends a clear signal to all players of the Government's commitment to accelerated delivery of renewable energy projects thus enhancing fuel diversity and reducing emissions. The All-Island Grid Study, which was published earlier this year and was...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Phase 1 of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) programme completed delivery of open access, high-speed broadband networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. The MANs were constructed in partnership with the local and regional authorities and were co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund. Construction of Phase 1 MANs commenced in 2002 and all 27 MANs were...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I share the Deputy's concerns about the impact of rising energy costs on pensioners and vulnerable members of society. I am working closely with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on energy affordability issues in line with our respective responsibilities. We have established an Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Energy Affordability, to coordinate and oversee actions, under way and...

Written Answers — Natural Gas Grid: Natural Gas Grid (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Currently, over 90% of Ireland's natural gas needs is met by imports from the British wholesale gas market via the two interconnectors. The remainder comes from storage and the Kinsale field which is in decline. The arrival of gas from the Corrib gas field will alleviate Ireland's dependence on imports for its period of production. The field is expected to supply 60% of annual demand, and 40%...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The regulation of the telecommunications industry is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which regulates the industry in accordance with an EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services. In regard to opening access to public sector ducting, this will be advanced by my proposal for a one stop shop, which my officials are...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 153 and 165 together. My Department has reached the evaluation stage of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process. The evaluation of bids is scheduled for completion shortly and the contract is expected to be signed next month. Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, roll out of services is expected to begin shortly after...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: As Minister with overall responsibility for spectrum policy, I am committed to ensuring that the spectrum resource is assigned and used effectively. This involves the efficient use of spectrum and also involves ensuring that spectrum policy is sufficiently flexible to accommodate technological development and supports, and promotes innovation, research and development in new spectrum based...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The procurement process for the NBS is being led by an Assistant Secretary and a Principal Officer and staffed by 3 full time personnel at Assistant Principal, Higher Executive Officer and Clerical Officer levels. ComReg, who are assisting with the development of the Scheme, also provide a full-time resource to the NBS Working Group. The person is providing project management and technical...

Written Answers — Knowledge Society Strategy: Knowledge Society Strategy (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The motion referred to by the Deputy was taken on 30 April last. At that time responsibility for the Knowledge Society and eGovernment was with the Department of the Taoiseach. In May, upon his appointment, the Taoiseach announced that he was assigning responsibility for eGovernment to the Department of Finance and for the Knowledge Society to my Department. In developing a Knowledge...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 168 and 409 together. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. There is free entry to the market. Prices at the pump reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. Price differences are an ongoing feature...