Results 29,361-29,380 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In 2004 Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) funded a Geothermal Atlas of Ireland which identified the potential locations of deep geothermal energy in Ireland. The Blackrock-Rathcoole fault line was identified as a possible area of relatively accessible geothermal energy. The report recommended further research along the fault line and SEI have subsequently funded a feasibility study of the...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 36 together. The provision of telecommunications services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. Eircom, as a private company, is entitled to implement the corporate structure, which best...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 puts in place a flexible framework for the licensing of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) into the future. The Act provides for the use of multiplexes by both public service and commercial broadcasters and for the transmission of both digital television services and digital sound broadcasting services. Under the Act, RTE, the Broadcasting Commission...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Services: Broadcasting Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: TG4 became an independent statutory body on 1 April last. It will continue to receive public funds to finance its operations, along with the income that it generates from its commercial operations. In 2007, some €32 million of Exchequer funding for TG4 is being provided from my Department's Vote. The Deloitte & Touche/William Fry Solicitors "Report on the Preparation of a Implementation...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 39 and 56 together. 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...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The provision of telecommunications services, including next generation broadband is primarily a matter for the private sector operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). In response to developments in the Irish market and internationally, my Department is currently in the process of drafting a policy paper on Next Generation...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 51 and 57 together. I estimate that by the end of this year some €33m will have been expended on the Greener Homes Scheme since its introduction in 2006. The provision for 2008 will be made available in the context of the Budget on 5th December next. Phase II of the Greener Homes Scheme was launched on 1st October with several adjustments reflecting...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The report on Energy Efficiency in Ireland published by Sustainable Energy Ireland underlines the scale of the challenges inherent in delivering an energy efficient transport system. The Programme for Government commits to the promotion of the sustainable use of energy in transport. In that context my colleague the Minister for Transport in consultation with me and other Ministerial...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 53 together. The national smart meter programme which I announced recently is the key to facilitating the introduction of net metering to allow consumers to sell electricity back into the grid from any renewable power supplies they have. The Commission for Energy Regulation is leading the implementation of the smart meter programme which will among...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The EU Commission's proposals for reform of the electronic communications legislative framework, which were published this week, are part of an ongoing review of the current regulatory package that commenced in late 2005 and which will help to ensure that the framework keeps pace with technological and market developments and remains effective over the coming decade. Officials in my...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Energy policy is a whole Government priority and is by definition closely interrelated with other policy areas. The delivery of enhanced Energy Efficiency in particular involves a range of Departments and Agencies. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan sets out the proposed range of actions, to deliver a minimum of 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy by 2020 with the...

Written Answers — Energy Prices: Energy Prices (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: As stated in the White Paper on Energy Policy, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007 – 2016 sets the overall policy framework for tackling poverty and social inclusion up to 2016 and includes measures targeted at fuel poverty. Coordination of the implementation of this Action Plan is primarily a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Within that overall...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 55 together. The accelerated growth of renewable energy sources for electricity heat and transport is a priority for the Government in line with the overall ambition of 20% across Europe set by all the Heads of Government at the Spring European Council. We have set ambitious targets nationally for renewable energy to be delivered progressively by 2020....

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The White Paper on Energy Policy and the Programme for Government endorse the case for a process of structural change in the electricity sector. The effective working of the all-island market, the competitiveness of energy costs, the interests of consumers and the economy require it. We need to create the conditions that will deliver more competition, real consumer choice and support...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 60 together. 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...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Under the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government, we are committed to the progressive development of a regional electricity market with the UK and North West Europe underpinned by new interconnection. The current focus is on the delivery of the second North South electricity interconnector by 2011 and the new East-West electricity interconnector no later than 2012. At the...

Written Answers — Television Licence Fee: Television Licence Fee (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The requirement to have a television licence is set out in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988. Under this legislation a licence is required in respect of each location at which a television set is kept. The issue of holiday homes was raised in the context of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources public consultation process on the proposed...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I have no plans to amend the Communications Regulations (Amendment) Act 2007, as suggested by the Deputy. The funding by way of fees and levies on operators in a sector is the model used among sectoral regulators generally. ComReg's income derives from spectrum licence fees and levies imposed on both electronic communications and postal providers to meet the expenses incurred in discharge...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I am advised that the River Blackwater is one of Ireland's most important salmon rivers and that the weir referred to by the Deputy significantly delays the free and uninterrupted migration of salmon and constitutes an effective barrier to the passage of lamprey and allis shad. In July 2006, the then Minister of State exercised his powers under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 and...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (15 Nov 2007)

Eamon Ryan: There were 653,000 broadband subscribers (excluding mobile) in Ireland at end of quarter two of 2007 according to official figures from ComReg. Additionally, there were 45,000 mobile broadband subscribers in Ireland at the end of June 2007 giving a total of 698,000 subscribers. The 698,000 figure represents a penetration rate of 15.4 subscribers per 100 of population. Ireland's growth in...