Results 68,321-68,340 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: When I raised this issue on the Order of Business this morning, the Tánaiste informed me I would have an opportunity to raise it during the debate on this Bill. I have received six items of correspondence from the Ceann Comhairle indicating that the Minister has no official responsibility to the Dáil for matters I raised because they fall within the remit of the Commission for Energy...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It is unfortunate the Minister of State has raised that matter because I am sick to my teeth listening to people giving advice that issues should be discussed at committee meetings. This is the national Parliament, the place where these issues should be thrashed out in the first instance. Minor details can be dealt with by the committee but here, in Parliament, is where the job is done or not...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Regulators were introduced after the American Civil War to ensure everything was regulated. However, markets have a tendency to regulate themselves. Unfortunately, in this country regulation appears to have regulated prices for the consumer in an upward direction. Although 2007 is approaching, with the prospect of full deregulation, there appears to be a great difficulty——

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It is.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I am glad the Minister had the temerity to raise that issue. It is grand to see those who are condemned speak openly about the execution. I do not mean that in the literal sense, of course, but some type of retribution will be exacted by the population who have been waiting patiently, in every hole and corner——

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: ——for the Government to emerge and give an account of its stewardship over the past number of years. Woe betide the Government.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I would not go that far. Do not mention the war. I advise the Minister to go carefully in that context.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Bill is welcome as far as it goes. It puts in place a statutory basis for what regulators are supposed to do effectively. We have yet to see evidence that deregulation will be of benefit to the consumer. I look forward to that because it is not obvious yet. I hope it will be. The Bill does not contain any short, medium or long-term plans for the provision of an energy sector that will be...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It has slipped away.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 214: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to proposals or reports emanating from the sugar beet industry in the matter of the conversion of facilities from food production to biofuel production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13889/06]

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 215: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Food or farming, processing or other interested groups with a view to the utilisation of lands previously used for sugar beet growing for bio-fuel crop production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13890/06]

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 98: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the slow rate of progress in the provision of broadband services and facilities here; the action he proposes to take or direction he intends to issue to all involved with a view to ensuring a competitive technological edge for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13784/06]

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 212: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the exploration, development and utilisation of natural gas finds in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13887/06]

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 213: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the results of recent oil, gas or other mineral exploration, on or offshore have indicated a commercial viability; his plans to develop the industry in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13888/06]

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 180: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he is likely to authorise the release of details of the publication of the Deloitte & Touche report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13849/06]

Written Answers — Nursing Home Subventions: Nursing Home Subventions (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the correct level of financial support available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for a spouse's nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13998/06]

Written Answers — Health Service Allowances: Health Service Allowances (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 138: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the domiciliary care allowance is being terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14066/06]

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14074/06]

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 162: To ask the Minister for Finance when a refund of income tax will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14075/06]

Written Answers — Energy Policy: Energy Policy (6 Apr 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 172: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals for an enhanced and accelerated programme for alternative and sustainable energy production incorporating security of supply; his proposals for the utilisation of the Corrib gas field; when he expects a resolution to the issues involved; if he intends to alter or amend the procedure in respect of...