Results 28,321-28,340 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: That will not address the fundamental issue of security of supply. The Government's response is much wider and our amendment recognises the solutions we need to introduce. We recognised the flaws in the emissions trading scheme and argued strongly that it should have been structured differently. That is why we are reviewing it. We acknowledge the issue is complex but we now have an...

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will speak about Spain presently. The UK decision has implications for Ireland because we acted correctly by consulting the single electricity market committee, which is responsible for regulating this complex market system, and its advice contradicted the approach taken by Fine Gael. It recognised, however, that the decision is ultimately for the Government to make. We will continue to...

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: One of the measures——

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I am not misleading the House. The Deputy can consult the report issued by the committee in March.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It outlined the various difficulties involved.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: We can discuss the committee's advice in detail but five of the ten minutes allotted to me are now gone.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: As part of our ongoing review, we examined policies in other European countries. As Deputy Coveney noted, Spain has introduced such a scheme but this is being challenged in the Spanish courts and by the European Commission. We are rightly following our own legal advice in investigating our options because we recognise that complex legal issues arise. I am proud of the work done by my...

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Deputy O'Donnell. I will show Deputy Coveney the relevant passage later.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will do so. Deputy O'Donnell stated: The Taoiseach also said it is important point out that the revenues available to the ESB and others are factored into their capital programmes for providing alternative energy sources. This is a point on which we fundamentally disagree with the Government. This seems to indicate that Fine Gael disagrees with the ESB's reform strategy.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: If I may, I wish to finish my contribution.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: This is a fundamental example of matters in respect of which we have different views. Fine Gael's response is to reduce taxes. This is similar to Senator Hilary Clinton's assertion that there should be a tax holiday in the US because energy prices are high. Our response is different and is based on trying to use key measures, in respect of the ESB and in other areas, to reduce demand. We...

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The amount of money people would save would be a multiple of the 2 cent reduction that Fine Gael proposes to introduce. The latter would not provide any assistance in the context of a long-term reduction in electricity prices. It is important and correct that the Government amendment refers to a number of key areas in the economy in respect of which changes must be made. In that context,...

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: ——to engage with the hugely important task of becoming more energy efficient. Those on the opposite side of the House may laugh at this initiative and demean it by stating that it is merely me saying that we must tighten our belts.

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It is the crucial response. Deputy McManus sneered as if to say that this scheme is not a key policy development. It is the key policy development and will be achieved by the Government supporting a number of programmes and ensuring that there will be an incentive for people to do the right thing. That is set out in the amendment. Rather than trying to offer a short-term response to this...

Carbon Allowances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Fine Gael's motion does nothing to assist us in this regard. The Government is focused on the task.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of the emergency call answering service has been put out to tender. The closing date for receipt of tenders was in December 2007. The bids are currently being evaluated and it is expected that I will be in a position to announce the results shortly.

Written Answers — Departmental Projects: Departmental Projects (4 Jun 2008)

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.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will limit myself to stating I will take into account what was stated and re-examine the wording. My instinct is that "fair to all interests" is as close to "balanced" as makes no difference. I must examine the difference whereby Senator Mullen stated he received an answer from RTE that it does not need to be balanced.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will take note of what was stated, consider it and come back on Report Stage. The restriction of advertising, for example, of sexual services could sit within an advertising code. That is the appropriate location for it be set out, taking into account the broad provisions we set in the legislation.

Seanad: Health Service Staff (4 Jun 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will be taking the Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney. I thank the Senator for raising the issue of revenue funding for the provision of care staff in shelters for homeless adults. The provision of revenue funding for in-house care staff in homeless shelters and outreach health services to homeless adults is managed by the...