Results 7,761-7,780 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: One of the strategic objectives set down in the All-island energy development framework for natural gas is a common approach on natural gas storage and LNG. With this in mind, the issue of a strategic gas reserve is one of the issues to be addressed by means of an all-island study to be commissioned jointly by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Northern...

Written Answers — Energy Regulation: Energy Regulation (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The recent recommendations of the head of the Council of European Energy Regulators, which were made in the context of its response to the EU Green Paper on Energy, have been brought to my attention. I am awaiting the outcome of the ongoing deliberations on this issue at EU level, prior to making any decisions as to whether further legislative measures are needed in the Irish context....

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I understand from the developers, Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. that they expect that first gas will be available in 2009. I would add, however, that completion of the development works by the developers is clearly the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Masts: Telecommunications Masts (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My Department has received correspondence from various groups in this matter. An Interdepartmental Committee on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields was established in September 2005. The work of this committee is at an advanced stage in its consideration of the policy issues regarding any potential health effects, if any, of non-ionising radiation. An Expert Group of independent...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband and mobile telephony, is a matter in the first instance for the fully liberalised private sector, regulated by ComReg, the independent Commission for Communications Regulation. Despite Government investment in broadband in the regions through the regional broadband programme, there are still some parts of the country where the...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The development of further interconnection with neighbouring markets is a key strategic priority for the Government. The delivery of further interconnection to Northern Ireland and to Britain is central to security of supply. It is also fully in line with the EU emphasis on physical interconnection. Work is underway jointly by EirGrid and SONI on a new North South electricity interconnector...

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 208 together. The basic heat demand of a building, whether public or private, is a function of the insulation value of its fabric. The minimum standard for that is set in the Building Regulations that apply at its construction or major reconstruction. Much can be achieved however by the way we use and maintain our buildings. The energy awareness...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 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, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. Data used by the EU and the OECD for broadband comparison purposes defines a subscriber as a household. It is estimated that...

Written Answers — Company Takeovers: Company Takeovers (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: It is not anticipated that the acquisition by Topaz Energy of the retail and commercial business of Statoil will have any implications for the supply of oil into Ireland. While biofuels are not widely available across the country through the petrol station network at present, I do not expect that this acquisition will have any impact on ambitions to progressively mainstream biofuels within...

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I intend to publish the Deloitte and Touche report, on the preparation of an implementation plan for the establishment of TG4 as an independent statutory body, in whole or in part, in due course. However, the report will first need to be considered by the Project Management Group set up to oversee the establishment of TG4 as an independent body. The report contains some commercially sensitive...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I am not aware of any international league tables in regard to broadband availability in respect of communities of 10,000 or more, between 5,000 and 10,000, between 3,000 and 5,000 and under 5,000. The independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, compiles data relating to broadband deployment in Ireland. ComReg's analysis and reporting of that data does not categorise it...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The matter of post office closures is an operational matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no function. Section 12 (3) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 states that 'the company shall have power to do anything which appears to it to be requisite, advantageous or incidental to, or which appears to it to facilitate, either directly or...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: A number of innovative alternative energy programmes are in place as part of a €65m initiative announced in the context of Budget 2006. The programme is being rolled-out over a five year period and provides funding for the domestic, commercial, services and industrial sectors as follows: The €27m "Greener Homes" domestic renewable heat grants programme is providing grants for householders...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Bord na Móna was given approval in October 2005 to develop its future strategy proposals, specifically in the waste management, renewable energy and environmental solutions areas. The approval not only supports the concept of maximum commercial freedom for the Company but also ensures the long-term viability of the Company having regard to the declining and finite nature of its existing...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 105 together. 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, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: In accordance with the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, the Minister has no function in relation to access to the electricity transmission and distribution systems. These are matters for the system operators subject to directions given by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER, established by the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, is the statutory body with responsibility for...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Post office closures and conversions are a matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. Section 12 (3) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 states that 'the company shall have power to do anything which appears to it to be requisite, advantageous or incidental to, or which appears to it to facilitate, either directly or...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: With respect to the joint venture between An Post and Fortis to provide financial services, my Department and the Department of Finance established a co-ordination committee to represent the shareholder interest in An Post and to ensure that the State's interests would be protected in the negotiations on the joint venture. The NTMA was not a party to the joint venture agreement and therefore,...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Discussions are ongoing in relation to the allocations for Energy Research and Development including Renewable Energy Technologies, for 2007 as part of the Estimates process. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the state energy agency is engaged in research, technology development and innovation in sustainable use and sourcing of energy and energy efficiency. The €27m "Greener Homes"...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 115 together. 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, which is regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation. The Government's regulatory and infrastructure policy has supported the private...