Results 7,201-7,220 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey
- Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (31 Jan 2007)
Noel Dempsey: The provision of broadband and other telecommunications services is, in the first instance, an operational issue for the service providers concerned. Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act...
- Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (31 Jan 2007)
Noel Dempsey: There are 55 staff members working at various levels of project management in my Department. Three of these staff members have relevant recognised third level qualifications and a further 51 have had formal training in project management. My Department operates an ongoing staff development programme to build up and enhance skills and competencies in-house in order to meet the challenges of...
- Written Answers — Product Registration: Product Registration (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: It is a requirement that all equipment registered under the Greener Homes Scheme must meet recognised quality and performance standards. I understand that Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) have been in contact with the individual concerned regarding the registration of his product and that they are awaiting clarification of certain details. Once the required information is received SEI will...
- Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The Greener Homes Scheme was launched in March 2006 and it provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of renewable energy heating technologies including wood biomass boilers and stoves, heat pumps and solar technology. In the 34 week period since the scheme commenced a total of â¬2.476m has been paid out in grant aid to 775 householders. Grant aid of â¬1,100 to â¬6,500 was paid...
- Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The successful applicants under the Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme II were announced on 23 November 2006. Under the scheme no direct payments are made to individuals. The successful applicants under the scheme will be exempt from paying excise on the production of specified amounts of biofuels. The scheme, which is being rolled out over a five year period, will cost in excess of...
- Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The closure of individual post offices is in the first instance a matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no function. An Post has supplied the following information. Year Company Staffed Branch Offices Closed Contractor-operated offices Closed Postal Agents Closed Jan. 1997 â 19 â 1998 â 22 â 1999 â 10 â 2000 â 31 â 2001 â 62 â 2002...
- Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I would advise the Deputy that I have no function in the matter. Electricity and gas tariffs are the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation, under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, as amended by the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002, and the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005. I am advised that the CER has stated its...
- Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The terms of reference for the consultancy project to review the current licensing regime are as follows: Consideration of the Department's views on how the licensing regime could best be changed, as set out in two reports covering fiscal and non-fiscal terms respectively. Advice on any alternative fiscal regimes which could better achieve the objectives. Advice on peer countries (comparable...
- Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market. There are many areas of the country where for demographic or other reasons the private sector has been slow to respond to demand for broadband. In cases where the market is seen to have failed, my Department is...
- Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, established by the Inter-Departmental Committee to provide science-based advice, will shortly finalise its report. This report will provide a review of the most up-to-date international expert consensus of the totality of the scientific evidence available. The Inter-Departmental Committee will then complete its consideration of...
- Written Answers — Mobile Telephony: Mobile Telephony (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I attended the EU Ministerial Council on Monday 11 December 2006. Roaming charges were on the agenda. At the meeting I strongly supported the Commission proposals to protect mobile phone users from excessive roaming charges. The issue of high roaming charges is one that I take very seriously and one that I raised at my first Telecoms Council meeting when I took over this brief. I have...
- Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: A digital terrestrial television (DTT) pilot programme is currently being implemented by my Department. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service. The DTT pilot is now in the "soft trial" phase during which the network and user technologies will be tested. The initial...
- Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market. There are many areas of the country where for demographic or other reasons the private sector has been slow to respond to demand for broadband. In cases where the market is seen to have failed, my Department is...
- Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: In April 2005 a team of advisers was engaged to examine the potential for enhancing and augmenting existing state owned infrastructure. This team submitted a Feasibility Report in December 2005. The report found that, while technically feasible, there would be considerable financial, legal, regulatory, operational and organisational challenges in harnessing and enhancing the existing state...
- Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: The total cost of Phase One of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) was approximately â¬85 million. Phase Two is estimated to cost in the region of â¬140 million. The 27 Phase One networks are complete and open for business. They have been handed over to the Management Services Entity, e-net, who manage, market and maintain the networks on behalf of the State. e-net had sixty-nine...
- Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I join Members in offering the compliments of the season to everybody. I hope they have a nice, quiet, relaxed Christmas and a very happy new year. Halfway through the year we will be in a battle but we should make the most of the festive season. I thank all the Deputies who contributed to the debate. They raised many issues, including the more general context in which the Bill fits, which...
- Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006: Referral to Select Committee (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, in accordance with Standing Order 120(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.
- Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006: Financial Resolution (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I move: That provision be made in the Act giving effect to this resolution for the charging in accordance with the Act of certain fees, being fees in relation to the use of the foreshore in Lough Foyle for aquaculture operations licensed under this Act.
- Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." Molaim Bille Iascaigh an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn don Teach. I commend the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill to the House. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to present the Bill for consideration by the House. The background to it is that the Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of six North-South bodies to take...
- Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)
Noel Dempsey: I do not believe that.