Results 3,261-3,280 of 13,375 for speaker:Pat Rabbitte

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: EirGrid figures show that the total number of applications for renewable energy connection to the national grid to date is 879. Of these applications, wind represents 696 applications and other renewable sources represent 183 applications. 372 of these applications were received and placed in the queue from the date that the Gate 3 applications were closed which was November 2007. Until...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: According to the most recent Biofuels Obligation Scheme Annual Report, there were four entities producing biofuels participating in the Biofuel Obligation Scheme. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 as the primary means to meet the target of at least 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020, which was mandated by the Renewable Energy Directive. It is estimated that...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Resources (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) released its latest Energy in Ireland report on Tuesday November 27th. This shows that Ireland’s overall energy import dependency reached 90% in 2006 but has decreased to 88% in 2011. The SEAI report highlights that a number of factors influence this trend, including reduced production of domestic gas and peat. However, in recent...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Electricity Generation (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: In 2011, Ireland had 17.6% renewable electricity, 3.6% biofuels and 5% renewable heating, which amounted in total to 6.5% of all energy consumed being from renewable sources. Our intention, in order to meet our 2020 binding targets, is to increase renewable energy to 40% in the electricity sector, 10% in the transport sector and 12% in the heating sector, which together amounts to 16%...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Telecommunications Services (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The provision of mobile phone networks and services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Licences to provide mobile telephony services are granted by ComReg pursuant to the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926, as amended, and have been issued to the following Mobile Network...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Telecommunications Services (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The provision of mobile telephone roaming services within the EU is governed by “EU Regulation 531/2012 of 13 June 2012 on roaming on public mobile communications networks”. This Regulation is the third in a series of such regulations which commenced in 2007 to increase the level of consumer protection over time for customers using roaming services. The current Regulation,...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Postal Services (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Operational matters in relation to the post office network are a matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. As shareholder, however, I do have a strong concern in relation to the ongoing commercial position of the Company and I regularly liaise with the Company in this regard. An Post has many strengths and has the largest retail presence...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Services (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. With basic broadband services now widely available across Ireland, the challenge is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. The National Broadband Plan aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Resources (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Completion of the Corrib gas field development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, which began last year, including the construction of a 5km...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Schemes (29 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together. 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.

Leaders' Questions (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: In fairness, Deputy Finian McGrath jumped ship.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Prospecting Licences (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I am advised that there are eleven Prospecting Licences currently held in County Clare by Lundin Mining Exploration Ltd. Prospecting area No 3787 includes the Gorteen (Electoral District of Doora) area and other townlands in the Bunratty Upper Barony (an area of 39.53 km²). The licence for this area has been held since June 1994 and covers exploration for base metals (lead and zinc),...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Schemes (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Better Energy Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Better Energy Homes scheme provides financial assistance to householders who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I am aware of the recent comments made by Commissioner Potocnik, with respect to the statutory framework governing hydraulic fracturing, and I am committed to ensuring that the relevant information is available to allow for a detailed assessment of any application proposing this technology. As the Deputy will be aware the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources requested...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Ministerial Adviser Pay (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: There are two Special Advisers employed in my Department. Both were appointed by the Government on my behalf. The total cost of employing these Special Advisors for 2012 to date including, Basic Pay, Employers PRSI and expenses is €192,886.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Exploration Licences (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: My Department has not as yet received an application from Providence Resources to drill an exploration well under Standard Exploration Licence 2/11.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Services (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 167 together. In terms of telecommunications policy, my Department’s primary role is to help facilitate sustained macro-economic growth and competitiveness by ensuring that Ireland is best placed to avail of the emerging opportunities provided by the information and knowledge society. The Department exercises this role by promoting...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadcasting Services (28 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I presume the Deputy is referring to High Court Proceedings taken by Persona and Comcast in relation to the award of the 2nd GSM Licence. The Supreme Court on 17 October last, delivered the reasons for its decision of July last, to allow appeals by two unsuccessful consortia in the 2nd GSM Licence Competition against High Court Orders striking out their proceedings for damages against the...

Leaders' Questions (27 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: How is the Deputy's tour going?

Leaders' Questions (27 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: That is a boomerang.