Results 27,881-27,900 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

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

Eamon Ryan: The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, 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 quality...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: There is significant global investment in the development of ocean energy technologies to harness the substantial offshore wave and tidal resources. I have articulated my intention that Ireland will be a world leader in this technology. I have published a R&D programme operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to enable Ireland to win the race of developing a full-scale, commercially...

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

Eamon Ryan: The regulation of alcohol in the State is a matter which falls to be addressed across a number of Departments, particularly by the Department of Health, who are the lead Department on the health-related issues of alcohol, but also by the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform through the Intoxicating Liquor legislation. At a European level the framework for the regulation of alcohol...

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

Eamon Ryan: The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable consumers from the impact of rising energy costs through a combination of institutional supports and investment in improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock. I am working with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to deliver a fully cohesive strategic approach across Government and Agencies. We have established an Inter...

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

Eamon Ryan: It is my intention that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services will be available nationally by 2011 and that the analogue TV services will cease in 2012. The UK has a schedule to switch off analogue TV in different regions from 2008 to 2012 in favour of DTT. The switch off of the UK analogue services will impact on those in Ireland who receive the UK TV services via overspill from...

Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy but I have no responsibility in relation to the actions of persons conducting bullying or intimidation activities over electronic communications networks. I am conscious however, that bullying in any form can be distressing, especially for children. The Irish...

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

Eamon Ryan: 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 the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be...

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

Eamon Ryan: The Minister for Finance did contact the director general of RTE in relation to aspects of RTE's coverage of the global banking crisis. I understand that it was a cordial discussion and the Minister for Finance also briefed me on the matter.

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 — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The annual dividend payable by the State companies referred to in the question is a function of the after tax profits of each company and the dividend policy in respect of each company. This policy is commercially sensitive information. Dividends paid by the companies to the Exchequer each year are published in the companies' Annual Reports and Accounts. There is no link between regulated...

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

Eamon Ryan: Responsibility for the regulation of electricity and gas prices is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) which is an independent statutory body. I have no function in the matter. Every action of Government policy in this area aims to bring secure, clean and competitively priced energy to the Irish public.

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

Eamon Ryan: There is no grant aid available for entrepreneurs who wish to provide a broadband service in remote areas. However, the widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: As the transposition process in relation to the Third Postal Directive is at an early stage, I am unable at this time to give a precise timeframe as to the publication of legislation transposing the Directive. While the Directive provides for the completion of the liberalisation of the postal sector EU-wide, a number of key decisions as to its transposition are being left to individual...

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

Eamon Ryan: My Department has reached the evaluation stage of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process. Two bids have been received from eircom Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ireland. The evaluation of bids is scheduled for completion shortly and the contract is expected to be signed in November. Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, roll out of services is expected to begin...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 510 of the 30th September 2008. The position has not changed and I have nothing further to add to that reply.

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: There are three main types of conventional or fossil fuel generation plant installed on international power systems, including the Irish power system. These are: Baseload generating plant: This type of plant is generally large (commonly 400 megawatt-plus) and are often relatively new in terms of years of operation. These plants operate most efficiently and economically when used for lengthy...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Government Policy on the use of peat in electricity generation in Ireland is set out in the White Paper, "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland — The Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020". The three pillars of Government energy policy are security of energy supply, environmental sustainability and delivery of real and effective competition in energy markets. In relation to...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (29 Oct 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I have introduced and maintained a range of measure to incentivise the development and deployment of technologies harnessing our renewable sources of energy. These include the REFIT Scheme, the mineral oil tax exemption scheme, the Greener Homes, Bioheat and CHP Support Programmes and support for RTDI in renewable technology and the use of agriculture products in the biofuels sector as well...

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

Eamon Ryan: The building of transmission lines is an operational matter for EirGrid, as regulated by the Commissions for Energy Regulation (CER), along with the relevant planning authorities, and not one in which I have a function. The East-West and North-South Interconnector projects are of strategic national importance to Ireland and are key Government priorities. The Meath-Cavan and North-South...

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

Eamon Ryan: It is 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. The Government's policy with regard to the future development of the postal service is to ensure Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy...