Results 39,121-39,140 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: Question 3: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will change the regulatory model for gas and electricity prices at a domestic household and small business level to facilitate direct price competition in a effort to bring prices down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24369/09]

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: We have had this debate before, and I will continue to make the same point, particularly with regard to the electricity market; I accept that the gas market is slightly different. We have a crazy situation in which the ESB could supply households in Ireland with electricity for at least 10% less than the cost of producing it at the moment. Yet it is not allowed to do so because of...

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: At what point in the electricity market will the Minister insist on opening up the household market to competition so the ESB can compete? How many customers do BGE and Airtricity have to take from the ESB before the Minister will allow an opening of the market so everyone can benefit?

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: We are talking about households. That is what the question was about and I ask the Minister to stick to that.

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: What about households?

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: Ireland is the most expensive market in Europe outside the household market, so that is not a good example.

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: To 150,000 people.

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: What about the other 1.8 million who are being overcharged?

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: The Minister is talking nonsense. He claims that competition works, yet he is preventing the largest supplier in the market from competing. We have a controlled market in terms of price. It is true that people can pick up the phone and switch to Bord Gáis as long as they can be sure their bank account details are safe-----

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: I am coming to that. They can also switch to Airtricity. I encourage people to switch. Both Bord Gáis and Airtricity are fine companies that can provide reliable electricity. However, this idea that by allowing the ESB to reduce its prices we will drive Airtricity and Bord Gáis out of the market is utter nonsense. These are large, powerful companies with big backers, particularly in...

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: Why is the Minister delaying it?

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: It is not the regulatory market that works anywhere else.

Energy Prices. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: It is not the market in the UK.

Telecommunications Services. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: Question 4: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has completed an audit of all State owned broadband infrastructure; if he will publish the findings of such results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24370/09]

Telecommunications Services. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Minister for that information. It is a bugbear of mine that it has taken so long to put in place an audit to establish the amount of broadband infrastructure owned by the State and its agencies or companies. That information is required in order that we can begin to concentrate on bridging the gaps in existing services to ensure we have a modern broadband infrastructure. I...

Telecommunications Services. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: I am excited by the Minister's response. What he has outlined is precisely what we should be doing. In a recent policy document, my party set out its view on how we should proceed in regard to State-owned broadband infrastructure. We have proposed the establishment of a new State company and the amalgamation of some existing bodies to manage that infrastructure. I look forward to the...

Housing Grants. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce a grant support scheme for the upgrading of windows in homes in line with the objectives of the greener homes scheme and the home energy saving scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24371/09]

Housing Grants. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: It is important to recognise that the home energy saving scheme is operating well. However, as I have discussed with the Minister on previous occasions, there are concerns about SEI-registered companies charging more than they should. We must ensure there is effective competition in terms of pricing so that home owners get the best possible value from the companies that are registered. The...

Electricity Generation. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: Question 6: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the €600 million cost of the east-west interconnector represents value for money in terms of construction and completion costs versus similar projects in other parts of Europe; if he is satisfied that the tendering process has ensured this; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Electricity Generation. (18 Jun 2009)

Simon Coveney: I agree with the building of an east-west interconnector and one of the scale proposed is necessary. My only question relates to whether we are paying too much for it. I met representatives of the CER and put that question to them. I also requested that they forward to me details relating to the other companies which submitted tenders in respect of this matter. However, I have not yet...