Results 9,381-9,400 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (20 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: At present, I have certain limited statutory powers to give directions to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, and these do not include a power to issue instructions on this matter. They are restricted solely to electricity trading arrangements. Any dispute concerning access to the electricity network is a matter for determination by the Commission for Energy Regulation, in the first...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (20 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources was of the order of 5.1% of total electricity consumed in 2004. I recently announced and am currently finalising a new support programme to support the construction of at least a further 400 MW of new renewable energy powered electricity generating plant by 2010. This capacity, together with other capacity constructed since 2004,...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (20 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The issue of pension entitlements to retired company employees is a matter for the company in question. Assistance to pensioners, seeking clarity in respect of entitlements, is given via an appeals mechanism which is set out clearly in the Pensions Ombudsman Regulations 2003, SI No. 397 of 2003. The company superannuation schemes also allow for such appeals to be made to the company. The...

Written Answers — Postal Services: Postal Services (20 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have no function in regard to this matter as the Commission for Communications Regulation is responsible for the appointment of the economic and technical consultants with regard to the postcode project. Following on from the recommendations of the working group report, consideration of the feasibility, design and implementation of a practical postcode project proposal is being advanced. In...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (19 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The company referred to by the Deputy has not been employed to provide direct consultancy services to my Department in the period. My Department subscribes annually to the service provided by the company in terms of analysis and research information on ICT strategic business and technology trends and best practice. In addition to these research data targeted to suit my Department's specific...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (19 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The company referred to by the Deputy was paid €26,886 in March 2000 in respect of its undertaking the 1998-1999 audit of the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund for my Department. The company was selected for this work following normal Government tendering procedures and approval by the Government contracts committee and I am satisfied that value for money was achieved in...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Oct 2005)

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. Market forces, and the availability of suitable infrastructure and backhaul, will determine whether a company offers broadband in any area. A...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Work on geothermal energy in Ireland has been undertaken by the Geological Survey of Ireland since the late 1970s in co-operation with university departments and the private sector and supported by the European Commission. Most of the work focused on areas where warm springs indicated medium-depth resources. Exploitation has been on a small scale and inhibited by relatively low prices for...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Wave energy technology is still relatively new and not yet established as a commercial energy technology. Ireland is recognised as having one of the best wave energy climates in the world and the Marine Institute and Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, with their combined briefs of marine technology development in Ireland and promotion of renewable energy, have teamed up to develop a wave energy...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Mandatory targets that are realistic and potentially achievable are useful instruments to drive greater energy efficiency. Unless there is a real prospect of achievement such targets would be counter-productive. Our efforts must, therefore, concentrate on agreeing targets that stretch us but are within our reach.

Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I have instructed my officials to draft a comprehensive policy statement which fully addresses the issues and challenges that lie ahead in the energy area. It is my intention that the policy paper will have both a medium and a long-term perspective, explaining the policies that are in place now and which will have a direct effect over the next five years or so, and also looking forward to...

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Every effort is being made to conclude outstanding matters in order that EirGrid will become fully operational as a licensed transmission system operator as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for the articulation, at EU level, of Ireland's position on the EU framework programme. The proposed framework programme includes a wide range of sectoral and thematic research areas such as information technologies, life sciences, food, marine, energy, aeronautics, and atomic energy. My Department continues to liaise with the...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Gate 2 applications are grid connection processing issues between the Commission for Energy Regulation, the system operator and individual developers in the first instance. I have no function in this process.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Gate 1 and gate 2 applications are grid connection processing issues between the Commission for Energy Regulation, the system operator and individual developers in the first instance. I have no function in this process.

Written Answers — Seirbhísí Phoist: Seirbhísí Phoist (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: Táim sásta go dtabharfaidh úsáid phost-chódanna deis tairbhe do ghnó an phoist, do na seirbhísí poiblí, do lucht gnó agus don chustaiméir. Pléifidh sé freisin leis na fadhbanna a tharlaíonn nuair a bhíonn an t-ainm chéanna ar an seoladh áúsaid le haghaidh ionaid éagsúla. Níl aon chinneadh déanta go fóill i dtaobh crot nó cuma beacht d'aon chóras phost-chódanna. Beidh...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, have established a very constructive interaction with the Office of Public Works, OPW, on site acquisition and accommodation in Clonakilty which has been informed by site visits and regular consultation. As the Deputy will be aware, on foot of this interaction, a site has been acquired in Clonakilty, last month, to accommodate both the Department...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, Comreg. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists a number of service providers who offer broadband services in Ballymote, County Sligo. The website...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together. Staff in my Department's press office may be paid overtime or granted leave in lieu at standard rates for additional attendance before or after normal office hours. There are no other allowances paid in respect of such attendance.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (18 Oct 2005)

Noel Dempsey: It is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. I will revert to him as soon as possible.