Results 8,601-8,620 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: All relevant approvals from my Department have issued in respect of the proposed development of the Corrib gas field since 2002. These approvals include the plan of development approval on 15 April 2002 under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960; consent to construct a pipeline dated 15 April 2002 under the Gas Act 1976 as amended; consent under section 5 of the Continental...

Written Answers — Electricity Supply: Electricity Supply (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Customer service is, in the first instance, a matter for ESB and not one in which I have a function. I have made inquiries and understand that the position is as follows. ESB operates a national customer contact centre that deals with all customer queries from any of its 1.8 million customers. In 2005, a huge volume increase occurred in calls to the NCCC, driven by a number of factors...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: A decision by any company to set up a business is a commercial matter for themselves and a matter in which I have no function. My Department and the agencies under its aegis, do not provide any grant assistance for such companies.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Mar 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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. There are no plans to roll out a fibre-optic network to every home and business here. It would not make economic sense nor would it be...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 124 on 3 November 2005.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Mar 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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. It is a commercial operational matter for the Internet service providers to determine such issues as the cost of establishing broadband...

Written Answers — Post Office Network: Post Office Network (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The maintenance and development of the post office network is the responsibility of the board and management of An Post. The Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. The challenge for all stakeholders in An Post is to generate sufficient profitable business to maintain the network at its current...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: : In March 2005, Government approval was given to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of Michael Davitt, as part of the 2006 special and commemorative stamp programme. The design of the stamp was approved by Government in December last and is due to issue in September.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Following a competitive tendering process Deloitte & Touche was engaged in June 2005 to undertake a comprehensive review of Ireland's electricity sector. The final report was submitted by the consultants in December. The total cost of the report was €1,214,033, including VAT. As part of their terms of reference, the consultants undertook a comprehensive consultation process with industry...

Written Answers — Communications Masts: Communications Masts (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The Commission for Communication Regulation, ComReg, audits emissions of non-ionising radiation from telecommunication sites including masts. I am aware that to date 560, or approximately 12.4%, of telecommunication sites have been audited and that no site has been found to be in excess of the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, emission limits. There is no...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: To date I have not seen any estimates or breakdown of the costs associated with this proposal. 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...

Written Answers — Employment Records: Employment Records (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I have forwarded the details sought by the Deputy under separate cover today.

Written Answers — Broadcasting Legislation: Broadcasting Legislation (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: My Department recently completed a report on the review of designated events under section 9 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003. I am now considering this report and I will make a decision in the matter shortly.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (21 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of a proper and effective emergency call answering service is a priority for me. I have recently obtained a Government decision, which provides for the preparation of legislation to regulate the provision of the service and to prepare a tender for the identification of a new undertaking, which will take over the provision of the service. The Department will be assisted by an...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (9 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The multi-annual financial package for renewables announced in budget 2006 includes a grant-aid package for the domestic sector, which will provide for individual grants to install renewable energy technologies including wood pellet boilers, solar panels and geothermal heat pumps. My Department, in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, is developing the necessary detailed measures...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (9 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I will represent the Government in Seattle, Washington, during St. Patrick's week. I will be availing of the excellent opportunities to promote Ireland while in the US by advancing Ireland's economic interests, meeting with influential political representatives and the broad Irish community and engaging in events to showcase Irish culture. While in the US, I will meet with various business,...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: The announcement on budget day of a five-year renewables package of €65 million underlines this Government's commitment to developing renewable energy potential. Under this package I intend to launch a range of innovative grant schemes relating to biofuels, combined heat and power, biomass commercial heaters and domestic heat grants. My Department in consultation with SEI, is currently...

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I understand that the Deputy is referring to the public service obligation levy which is payable by all final customers of electricity. The imposition on the ESB of public service obligations is provided for by section 39 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. The section provides that the Minister shall by order direct the Commission for Energy Regulation to impose on the ESB, or other...

Written Answers — Computerisation Programme: Computerisation Programme (7 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: I understand the Deputy is referring to open-source software. I am not aware of such an initiative. However, in the context of the public service any such initiative would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance in the first instance.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (7 Mar 2006)

Noel Dempsey: Current data shows that 5.4% of staff in my Department, out of an overall staff complement of 503, have disabilities. The policy on employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance and a target of 3% has been set for such recruitment. The guidelines used to date by my Department for the employment of people with disabilities and...