Results 29,661-29,680 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Alternative Energy Projects. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I am trying to answer them. Given that the solar energy grant, for example, is being maintained at the exact same level, I do not accept the Deputy's contention that we are slashing the scheme. Many of the heating grant levels are staying the exact same. Reductions are being made in other areas because market technology has reached a certain maturity. I am sure the Deputy supports other...

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The European Commission published a proposal for the third postal directive last year. It proposed that the postal sectors across the European Union should be fully opened to competition. The proposal has been debated at the European Parliament and European Council. Political agreement was reached at Council level on 1 October last that the deadline for the full opening of the market would...

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: If I have time, I would like to put a question back to the Deputy.

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I will answer it with a question. How is Deputy Coveney so certain that a cost will be applied? Contrary to the absolute assertion that compensation will certainly be required, the international experience in countries where liberalisation has already taken place such as Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom is that there has been no need for a compensation scheme because a discernible...

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I will not object to any support measures we may need to put in place. However, there should not be an absolute and blanket assumption that such measures will be needed. It is important to consider the reality of the experience in other countries as we make our decision. It would not be appropriate for me to announce today the type of support price or mechanism we should put in place....

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: As a former Member of the European Parliament, I would expect that the Deputy would recognise that as a valid approach.

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Absolutely. I am saying, in response to your first accusation, that I had to make——

Postal Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Deputy opposite claimed that I should have made a decision today about what we will do. He rightly pointed out that the European Parliament may amend the actual directive. I will wait until that happens before I come to a decision on what I will do.

Electricity Network. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Government is giving high priority to the development of the east-west electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain. The White Paper on energy policy and the programme for Government underline this commitment which will contribute to security of supply and competitiveness. Greater interconnection between member states is a key priority for the European Union if it is to ensure...

Electricity Network. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I remind the Deputy that it was the previous Government which made that decision; I only arrived in June. The decision was part of a general development to ensure the separation of EirGrid as a fully separately owned asset company which would develop this transmission asset. The Government has put its confidence in EirGrid and in my experience to date, that confidence has been well...

Electricity Network. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I am informed there is no benefit in going to 1,000 MW in terms of the construction costs. It is more debatable whether it makes sense in terms of energy. The analysis carried out by the Department showed that a phased introduction to interconnection was a better way of doing it. Care must be taken to develop our own market systems here by encouraging generation and not to undermine this...

Electricity Network. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I am informed from the consultants' reports that there is no cost loss to the State by choosing this option and it may well be more cost effective. With regard to the difference in electricity prices on either side of the Irish Sea, the Government is concerned about the cost of electricity but it underlines that we must be careful to deliver those renewable electricity sources which will be...

Electricity Network. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: We need to introduce renewables to keep the costs down.

Telecommunications Services. (11 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: 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. Nevertheless, the widespread provision of broadband services is a major priority for the Government. In this context, the...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (10 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble all of the information requested. I am arranging for the compilation of data and a detailed reply will issue to the Deputy shortly.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (10 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: Leasing of property and accommodation occupied by my Department is in the main managed by the Office of Public Works — my Department has no direct role in these matters. My Department has a direct involvement in leasing or renting only two small properties and details of these arrangements are set out in the table that follows this reply. The Government has decided that responsibility for...

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (9 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 to 527, inclusive, together.The Government is committed to promoting and incentivising energy efficiency in the residential sector. In the context of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Programme for Government, we will be giving particular priority to upgrading the energy efficiency of older housing stock. Detailed proposals for the...

Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (9 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The Company in question has applied for a licence under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 for the cultivation of clams in Blacksod Bay, Co. Mayo. The area in question is within an area designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) afforded protection under the EU Habitats Directive. Accordingly, my Department wrote to the...

Written Answers — Marina Developments: Marina Developments (9 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: My Department has no capital budget for investment in coastal marina development. More generally, the issue of Departmental responsibility for this area is under consideration in the context of the shortly to be finalised transfer of Departmental functions consequent on the reconfiguration of my Department and of certain other Departments.

Written Answers — Fishing Industry Development: Fishing Industry Development (9 Oct 2007)

Eamon Ryan: The €25m Salmon Hardship Scheme adopted by Government is intended to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced on foot of the cessation of mixed stock fishing for wild salmon. The overall sum takes account of the levels of payment recommended by the Independent Group, based on the recorded catch history of the eligible licensees....