Results 28,061-28,080 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The substance of the question has been overtaken by events but, in any event, in my capacity as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I would have no statutory basis for taking an action as suggested.

Written Answers — Television Licence Fee: Television Licence Fee (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: RTÉ1 and RTÉ2 are not available free to air on satellite. RTÉ1 and RTÉ2 are available free to air on a terrestrial platform throughout Ireland and can be accessed through a roof top aerial or, in some areas, through a set top aerial, free of charge. RTÉ's terrestrial network has been in operation since the 1960's and is currently being upgraded to digital technology. RTÉ1 and RTÉ2...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The residential Building Regulations focus on thermal performance requirements, rather than being prescriptive in relation to particular materials. Fibrous materials have been commonly used for insulation of attic spaces over many years. The Building Regulations Part L were substantially revised in 2007 and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) advise that the stringent thermal insulation...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I would refer the Deputy to my statement of 13th March on the future of Ireland's electricity sector. In that statement I affirmed the Government's decision in the Energy Policy White Paper and the Programme for Government, to transfer the ownership of the electricity transmission assets from ESB to EirGrid. It is also a fundamental tenet of Government policy that we retain the electricity...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. On the 7th of July this year I announced Phase III of the Scheme, which includes the addition of a new biomass technology, log gasification boilers, to the technologies eligible for support. Phase III...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Following the completion of a tender process for the provision of an emergency call answering service, BT Ireland Limited was selected as the highest ranked bidder. Contract negotiations are now under way between BT and the Department on the detail associated with the provision of the service at centres to be located in Navan, County Meath and Ballyshannon, County Donegal. It is expected...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland that an application was submitted by the applicants in question to the Greener Homes Scheme in January 2008 (received January 29th). The system was fully installed at this point and is therefore ineligible for support. A letter was issued outlining this position on February 7th having been considered by the Appeals Committee. This letter was not...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The National Postcode Project Board made a recommendation last year to Government to introduce an alpha-numeric postal sector postcode model. This model was deemed the most suitable as it does not require individuals to change their address structure, with elements such as county names being accommodated within the postcode itself. In the case of Gaeltacht areas, there is nothing in the...

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Geological Survey of Ireland, which is a Division of my Department, operates a number of vehicles for the transport of heavy equipment, core samples etc in the course of its day-to-day activities. Following are the details in respect of the period covered by the question. List of Vehicles Purchases Make Model Reg Engine Fuel CO2 Emissions Cost € Opel Vivaro Van 05D81694 2.5...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The matter of VAT rates is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. The VAT treatment of goods and services is governed by EU law with which Irish VAT law must comply. While we can retain the zero rating provisions which were in existence on 1 January 1991, we cannot introduce any new ones. Therefore, it is not possible to apply a zero rate to the supply of wind turbine...

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I assume the authorisation to which the Deputy is referring is the Licensing Option recently awarded by the Department to Providence Resources plc and Star Energy Oil and Gas Ltd over an area on the Kish Bank. This authorisation relates solely to an assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of the area in question. While I understand that the companies also propose to undertake a review of...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am advised that the records currently held by my Department indicated that no contracts were awarded by my Department to Poster Plan Limited during the period in question. Contracts placed by bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, are a day to day operational matter for those bodies in which I have no function.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: No officials from my Department attended the 4th Annual Irish Public Private Partnership Policy Forum. Attendance at events, by staff of bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, is a day to day operational matter for those bodies in which I have no function.

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has developed and maintains a number of systems that contain personal data in addition to internal systems such as payroll or Human Resources. These include an Integrated Fisheries Information System, a Foreshore Coastal Zone Management System, a Marine Vessel Registration System, a Mineral Exploration Licensing System, and a Petroleum Exploration System. Although the...

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: There have been no reported losses of desktop PCs or memory keys in my Department during 2007 or to date in 2008. With the exception of USB memory sticks, Blackberry devices are the most common data storage device in use. The number of laptop PCs and Blackberry devices lost in the same period is shown in the following table: Year Laptop Blackberry USB Memory Keys 2007 1 1 0 2008 (to...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The development of domestic renewable energy is a key priority and is being supported by a range of actions and programmes ranging from Research and Development, investment incentives and mandatory requirements. The recently announced Smart Meters pilot programme will also facilitate the introduction of microgeneration devices. I have launched a microgeneration pilot scheme being undertaken...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I wish to advise the Deputy that the position as set out in Parliamentary Question No. 380 of 9 July 2008 has not changed.

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available, it has not been possible to confirm whether the information requested can be disaggregated from advertising payment records or to assemble same in respect of my Department. My Department is examining the possibility of compiling the data sought by the Deputy and I will revert to him as soon as possible. Advertising undertaken by bodies under the aegis of my Department...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Based on estimated recoverable reserves between 800-900 billion cubic feet, applying the recent market price for gas and allowing for an increase in line with CPI it is estimated that the total value of the Corrib Gas Field will be in the order of €9.5 billion. The value of the Corrib Gas Field will depend on a combination of factors including, the volume of gas in place, the cost of...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (24 Sep 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1521 and 1524 together. The pay and all other elements of the remuneration package granted to the Chief Executive Officers of the commercial and non-commercial bodies under the control of my Department is the responsibility, in the first instance, of each board. The board agrees terms and conditions including remuneration, with my Department, within...