Results 3,341-3,360 of 13,375 for speaker:Pat Rabbitte

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Radio Spectrum (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 623, 627 to 629, inclusive, 631 and 633 together. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. I am advised by ComReg that the 800MHz spectrum which was allocated for use in broadcasting analogue television signals, until 24...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Staff (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: One member of staff who retired from my Department has been rehired since March 2011, on a short term assignment. The cost of this assignment, which is not significant, has yet to be fully determined but the normal abatement rules will apply. I will let the Deputy know the cost once it becomes available.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Conservation (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 619 together. The current National Energy Efficiency Action Plan was published in May 2009, and outlined the framework for delivering Ireland’s energy efficiency targets, including a 33% reduction in public sector energy consumption by 2020. The second Action Plan, which I will be publishing shortly, provides a progress report on delivery of...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Radio Spectrum (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The management of Ireland’s radio spectrum is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). As the national regulatory authority for the management of our radio spectrum, ComReg has set out its position on spectrum sharing when it published its latest strategy statement for managing the radio spectrum in November 2011 and subsequently in Document 12/52...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Services (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The national roll-out of the 100Mp/s to post primary schools project, led by my Department in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills, will be completed over three stages with 202 schools, being connected in 2012, a further 200 being connected in 2013 and the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014. Expenditure on this project is not in the form of grants. All...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Regulation (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 confers on the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) specific functions in the area of safety regulation of the natural gas industry. The legislation provides for natural gas installers to be registered as a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). It is a legal requirement that any gas works carried out on domestic gas installations may be carried out...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Electricity Transmission Network (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The East/West Interconnector (EWIC) connects the national transmission grid systems of Ireland and Britain. It has been constructed on time and within budget. As with any major, complex project using purpose-built technology, comprehensive testing is necessary in relation to the Interconnector. Recent tests have highlighted some issues with regard to localised incidents of noise...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Television Reception (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 643 together. As I explained to the Deputy in my reply to his question of 20th September, RTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This includes information on transmitter sites being used. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009,...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Exploration Licences (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 638 and 640 together. The Corrib Gas Partners are in receipt of a Petroleum Lease issued on 15 November 2001 pursuant to section 13 of the Petroleum and other Minerals Development Act, 1960, as amended. The duration of the Lease is 25 years but this can be extended with the agreement of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources subject...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Offshore Exploration (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The principal direct financial return to the Exchequer from the Corrib gas field will be through the 25% tax that will apply to profits from the gas field. The level of profits will depend on a combination of factors including, the volume of recoverable gas, the cost of developing and operating the infrastructure, the price of gas over the life of the field, together with the timing and...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Alternative Energy Projects (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Renewable Energy Directive requires that by 2020 each Member State must ensure that 10% of energy in transport will be from renewable energy sources. Ireland will meet this target primarily through the use of biofuels. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme, by requiring that large suppliers of road transport fuels include a certain percentage of biofuel across their general fuel mix, creates a...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadcasting Services (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: As I have explained to the Deputy in previous replies to Parliamentary Questions, RTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ. The...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Northern Ireland Issues (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the reply I gave in this house on 24 October. There is extensive North/South cooperation on a range of issues in the areas of Energy, Communications and Broadcasting, which are under the remit of my Department. Staff discharge this work in addition to other functions in the relevant areas. The extensive co-operation under the Joint Steering...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Cyber Security Policy (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Office of Internet Safety has been established by the Government to take lead responsibility for Internet safety in Ireland particularly as it relates to children. This Office operates under the aegis of the Minister for Justice and Equality The Office also aims at building linkages and cohesion between all Departments and Agencies to ensure that the State provides the best possible...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Section 39 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (‘the Act’) sets out the legal basis for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy. It is designed to support the use of indigenous fuels (i.e. peat) and the use of renewable energy sources in electricity generation with the proceeds of the levy used to defray, inter alia, the additional costs incurred by electricity suppliers...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Sale of State Assets (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: As part of the Government’s asset disposal programme agreed with the Troika, the Government has agreed the sale of some non-strategic power generation assets of the ESB. This decision has been conveyed to the Board of ESB. The matter will now be progressed by the company. It will also be overseen by a Steering Group co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Public...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Telephone Directories (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: Regulation 4 (1) of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users’ Rights) Regulations 2011 requires that “a comprehensive directory of subscribers is made available to all end-users in a form approved of by the Regulator, whether printed or electronic or both, and is updated at least once in each year”. ComReg...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 and 653 together. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is available to offer financing to Irish companies that are involved in developing renewable energy projects and infrastructure, e.g. some of the financing for the East West Interconnector was through a loan from the EIB. The EIB has also provided some loans to commercial developers of renewable...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Departmental Functions (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no engagement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Semi-State companies under the aegis of my Department may engage with the EIB as appropriate and this is an operational matter for the individual companies in the first instance.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Conservation (6 Nov 2012)

Pat Rabbitte: The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme. Better Energy: Homes provides financial assistance to private homeowners 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 and...