Results 1,421-1,440 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (26 Feb 2015)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together. The recent appointments to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the Compliance Committee were made by the Government in accordance with Section 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The appointment of members to the Compliance Committee (a statutory Committee) does not come within the new arrangements on Appointments to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Fuel Prices (25 Feb 2015)

Alex White: Energy competitiveness is one of the three main pillars of energy policy, the other two being sustainability and security of supply. One of the main ways that competitiveness is addressed at a European level is through ensuring that the EU has well-functioning, liberalised energy markets. This is seen as the most effective means to deliver energy to consumers at lowest cost. The fall in oil...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (25 Feb 2015)

Alex White: I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Semi-State Bodies (25 Feb 2015)

Alex White: This is an operational matter for Ervia and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. I will, however, ask the company to respond directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Semi-State Bodies Remuneration (25 Feb 2015)

Alex White: This is an operational matter for Ervia and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. I will, however, ask the company to respond directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Public Service Obligation Levy Application (24 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is the support mechanism used for two very important objectives. Firstly, it supports electricity generation which was constructed for security of supply purposes, including peat generation. Secondly, it supports the development of renewable electricity which is important for both security of supply and for reducing carbon emissions from electricity...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (24 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (24 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Broadband Service Provision (24 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The provision of telecommunication services, including broadband, are a matter in the first instance, for the many commercial players who operate in the Irish market. Therefore, decisions on when and where to locate investment are always taken on commercial grounds, having regard to the likely return on investment. As Eircom is a private company, I have no role in relation to directing them...

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: 1 o’clock The legislation that comprehends both of the Deputy's points has been through Second Stage and awaits Committee Stage. There is considerable work continuing on it. I cannot give a date for its progress to Committee Stage but it is legislation of a very high priority and the Deputy is right with regard to the broader convention point that he makes.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The Act was enacted by the Oireachtas on 4 December last. The Deputy is referring to the need for commencement orders in respect of various aspects of that legislation. I will have to check that with the Tánaiste and the Department of Social Protection and I will respond to the Deputy when I do so.

Assaults on Elderly Persons Bill 2015: First Stage (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: No.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: We have set no date for either Bill. The Deputy is right to raise them as they are important areas that are being addressed. Considerable work is going into both pieces of legislation. An enormous amount of work is happening regarding the children's hospital both on the ground with the project and regarding the legislation.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The Bill to which the Deputy referred came before the committee on Tuesday. I hear what the Deputy is saying.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: Legislation is a matter for the Oireachtas.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 is on the D list and has passed all Stages in the Seanad and Committee Stage in the Dáil. Before the Bill could be taken, there was a UK Court of Appeal judgment which necessitated a review of the disclosure provisions contemplated. This review has been completed and consequential amendments to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and...

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: Although I hear what the Deputy is saying, I am not sure it relates to any legislation, promised or otherwise.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: I agree entirely, and the Minister has already indicated the same here this morning. I agreed with Deputy Niall Collins and we should join Deputy Tom Fleming in conveying our very best wishes for a speedy recovery to the two individuals involved.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: I take the Deputy's comments on board as well as the additional insights she has brought to the problem. The Deputy is right. The legislation is very important. Although I do not have a date, it is not for want of work. It is moving ahead in the Department and it is complex.

Order of Business (19 Feb 2015)

Alex White: The Deputy is right. It is priority legislation and it is intended to publish it this session.