Results 1,721-1,740 of 6,804 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Pupil-Teacher Ratio (7 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: 198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the pupil/teacher ratio in primary schools in County Meath; the ten schools with the highest ratios in County Meath; her plans to reduce this ratio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54303/23]

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wind Energy Generation (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: This report is appropriately entitled Act Now. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, is at COP28, engaging in diplomatic efforts on climate change but there is a long way to go there, as we can see from the strength of the fossil fuel lobby. At home, the path is very clear on renewables, albeit not so much in other areas. It is very clear that we have the tools, the know how and the ability to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wind Energy Generation (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: There is no denying that the Government is doing a lot, as is acknowledged in the report. The question is whether it is doing enough to deliver on the targets set out. The answer to that question is clearly "No". The Government is further away from our renewable energy targets this year than last year. There is a serious problem with planning. No onshore projects have come out of the...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I am sorry I was late. I was caught on a Topical Issue which was also on climate-related matters. It is the nature of the Oireachtas schedule. There is a clear pattern in the amendments that are coming from both Government and Opposition in this case. It is about the future of the gas network, what drives the decision-making of Gas Networks Ireland, and how aligned that is with what...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I am proposing to amend this Bill. I will pick up on some of the points made by Deputy Leddin. I welcome the opportunity to come back on Report Stage and I expect I will. It would be important from my perspective that we get a sense or indication, perhaps not at this Stage or even on Report Stage, of an intention for the direction of travel and an understanding of the intent from this side...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: Amendment No. 6 amends the Gas Act 1976 by mandating the board to maintain a natural gas system that is aligned with the carbon budget and is economical and efficient. The amendment is similar to that proposed by Deputy Leddin.

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 6: In page 12, to delete lines 28 to 30 and substitute the following: “(i) by the substitution of the following subsections for subsections (1) and (2): “(1) (a) The Board shall own, operate, develop and maintain a system for the transmission and distribution of natural gas being a system that is carbon budget-aligned, economical and efficient...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 8: In page 13, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: “(c) in section 10A, in subsection (3), by the substitution of the following paragraphs for paragraphs (b) and (c): “(b) the Commission shall have the power to examine the reasons for making an offer under paragraph (a) and to give appropriate directions with regard to the volume and rate...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 9: In page 13, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: “(c) in section 10A, by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (4): “(4) The Commission may by direction provide for— (a) the matters to be specified in an agreement for third party access, including terms and conditions relating to price, GHG emissions,...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 10: In page 13, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: “(c) in section 10A, by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (7): “(7) Subject to subsection (7A), an operator may refuse to enter into an agreement under subsection (2)— (a) on the basis of a lack of capacity in its facility save where it is economical...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 11: In page 13, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: “(c) in section 10A, by the insertion of the following subsection after subsection (7A): “(7B) The transmission system operator and distribution system operator shall be entitled to refuse connection on the grounds of long-term Green Houses Gas emissions or inconsistency with the carbon...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 12: In page 13, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: “(c) in section 10B, in subsection (2), by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (c): “(c) where connection to or enhancement of the upstream pipeline of the operator is required by the applicant, an offer made under that subsection— (i) shall include the...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 15: In page 14, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following: “(f) by the insertion of the following section after section 17: “Reporting 18. (1) A pipeline operator shall on an annual basis prepare a statement for the approval of the Minister setting out— (a) areas of the gas network for disconnection, decommissioning or repurposing in...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I will withdraw the amendment but may resubmit it on Report Stage, having taken on board the Minister of State's response.

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 16: In page 14, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following: “(f) in section 39A, by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (5): “(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4) of this section, the Commission may— (a) attach to a consent given under subsection (1) of this section for the construction by...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I will withdraw the three amendments in the group with a view to reintroducing them on Report Stage, if necessary and in light of what the Minister of State has just said. Hopefully, the gas package will be before us by the end of the year. In practical terms, how does the Minister of State foresee pulling this conversation on these amendments and the gas package together? Will it be done...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: We had a similar experience with the senior Minister, as Minister for Transport, around the Marine Casualty Investigations Board. That initial legislation - if we compare it with this process - was frustrated and delayed significantly. In fairness to the Minister, a very helpful role he played, and which unlocked the thing, was to give an indication during the deliberations on the initial...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 17: In page 14, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following: “(f) in section 39A, by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (6): “(6) In case the holder of a consent given under subsection (1) of this section constructs a pipeline the holder shall take all reasonable measures to reduce gas demand and GHG emissions in...

Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (6 Dec 2023)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 18: In page 14, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following: “(f) in section 39A, by the substitution of the following subsections for subsection (4): "(4) Where, from the appointed day, the Commission determines that the capacity of existing or proposed distribution or transmission pipelines in a particular geographical area, as specified by...