Rabbitte, Pat

Thursday, 12 May 2011

Dáil Éireann Debate
Vol. 732 No. 2

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Order of Business

Deputy Ó Cuív should have run against Deputy Martin for the leadership.More Button

The Deputy hopes things will get worse.More Button

She has not arrived yet.More Button

Jobs Initiative 2011: Statements (Resumed)

With the permission of the House I wish to share time with Deputy Paudie Coffey. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate and to welcome the announcement of my colleague, the Minister fo...More Button

Therefore, I am especially pleased, notwithstanding the unprecedented financial difficulties which the Government faces, that we are so early in our term of office, implementing this important initiat...More Button

Priority Questions - Government Programmes

Was asked: when it is proposed to establish the NewERA Programme to oversee State investment in energy, broadband, forestry and water. More Button

Priority Questions - Broadcasting Services

Was asked: the definition of public service broadcasting used by him in allocating the resources from the television licence; if he feels that this requires further examination; and if he will make a statement...More Button

Part 7 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for public service broadcasting in Ireland and the provisions relating to the public service broadcasting corporations, RTE and TG4, including their princi...More Button

I thank Deputy Ó Cuív for his remarks. I doubt if there is much difference between his philosophy and mine on this issue. There are specific statutory obligations in respect of the public service br...More Button

Are we getting value for money or could it be reapportioned to specific programming types within the broadcaster? To some extent, that is in the eye of the beholder. Deputy Ó Cuív may take the view ...More Button

It is not as generous as when the former Minister Deputy Ó Cuív was over here.More Button

Priority Questions - Electricity Transmission Network

Was asked: if he will re-route the Eirgrid high voltage DC cable away from the main street of Rush, County Dublin, in view of commitments (details supplied) given to the local community; and the present status...More Button

EirGrid, the State-owned independent electricity transmission system company, is building the east-west interconnector between Ireland and Britain. The construction of this vital strategic infrastruc...More Button

I have been unable to find any colleagues who gave any such undertakings before or since the election. After all that has happened in the past 30 years, the idea of the Minister interfering in the pl...More Button

I am sure there is a measure of agreement between Deputy Daly and myself that this is vital strategic national infrastructure. It is imperative this is concluded. I am glad it is coming in on budget...More Button

I assure the Deputy that I have gone to considerable lengths to establish if there is a safety risk and I am absolutely, and I stress that, assured that no risk exists. I agree that just because this...More Button

Priority Questions - Community Forum

Was asked: when the next meeting of the North West Mayo Forum, Erris, is due to take place; the agenda for this meeting; if he intends changing the membership of the forum; and if he will make a statement on t...More Button

The North West Mayo Forum was established in 2008 with the dual objectives of providing an opportunity for dialogue between parties with an interest in the Corrib gas project and offering an opportuni...More Button

I do not dispute it was a good idea. Unfortunately, it has not been the success all of us might have hoped. There has not been a meeting for more than a year and Deputy Ó Cuív is aware that on the l...More Button

It is beyond my powers to answer the Deputy’s first question about who represents the area. It is, unfortunately, very divided. I acknowledge the patient work done by the members of the forum under ...More Button

Priority Questions - Energy Prices

Was asked: his views on the application by An Bórd Gáis for an increase in the prices it charges to its customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Responsibility for the regulation of gas prices is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation which is an independent statutory body. Bord Gáis Energy’s gas tariffs for domestic customers and s...More Button

The Deputy is correct in that I responded to the huge increases in 2008. Since then, the cumulative decline in prices has been 27% which does not mean that for the consumer the prospect of Bord Gáis ...More Button

We need to be able to pin it down because the extent of our reliance on a gas pipeline from elsewhere is not the ideal situation to be in. If we could get the liquified natural gas project under way ...More Button

The Deputy has made a fair point. He is right to say that those who are in distress are in more acute distress now than they were in 2008. I do not advance the fact that gas prices have decreased by...More Button

Other Questions - Communications Masts

Was asked: céard atá beartaithe aige i ndáil leis an 120 crann cumarsáide atá le tréigean ag RTÉ tar éis 2012; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. More Button

As the Deputy is aware, the remit and obligations of RTE, as an independent national public service broadcaster, are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 114 of that Act sets out the princip...More Button

The Deputy is right to suggest that these are valuable State assets. There are crainn cumarsáide at 149 locations, but just 51 locations are needed to transmit digital terrestrial television. That d...More Button

As the Deputy knows, quality new spectrum will become available after the switch-off. It may well be the case that some of these masts will be used to improve the quality of broadband, for example.More Button

I can give the Deputy a commitment that I will bring the views he has just expressed to the attention of the RTE authorities, which are putting a great deal of work and thought into getting the switch...More Button

Other Questions - Electricity Generation

Was asked: his plans to increase the maximum level for consideration as micro generation to50 kW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: his plans for increasing the tariff received for micro production of energy; the amount by which it will be increased; the proposed term of guaranteed tariff; and if he will make a statement on the ...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 23 together. The programme for Government commits to the provision of a feed-in tariff for microgenerators producing electricity for their own homes, farms and b...More Button

I do not know enough about the issue but I am trying to find out and learn about it. I do not entirely agree that the Deputy is entitled to put on the béal bocht for Galway West as compared to Galway...More Button

Yes. While stimulating the micro-generation sector is probably a positive thing to do, one has to consider the economics of the issue. I set out the figures on the cost of the current feed in tariff...More Button

I will undertake to examine the issue raised by the Deputy. I do not know whether the position here is exactly analogous to the position in other EU member states. While I support the idea of micro-...More Button

Other Questions - Telecommunications Services

Was asked: his plans to improve accessibility and functionality of the metropolitan area networks in the towns of Bantry, Skibbereen and Dunmanway, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the capacity available to the metropolitan area networks in the towns of Bantry, Skibbereen and Dunmanway, County Cork; his views on whether these networks are being used to the maximum potential fo...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 10 together. The metropolitan area networks, MANs, were built by the State throughout the country to deliver telecommunications infrastructure where the commerc...More Button

Other Questions - NewERA Programme

Was asked: the progress made with the NewERA proposal since assuming office; the funds provided for same; the source of the funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: if he will confirm that the proceeds of the sale of State assets of his Department will be invested directly in the NewERA Programme. More Button

No one would sell assets in this climate.More Button

Other Questions - Alternative Energy Projects

Was asked: in view of the nuclear reactor issue in Japan, his plans regarding the alternative energy programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the number, location and type of alternative energy projects submitted to him for wider Government approval; the degree to which he expects to approve such projects with a view to increasing energy ...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 27 together. The tragic events in Japan and the geopolitical events in North Africa and the Middle East underline the imperative for Ireland and the European Un...More Button

The Deputy is correct, in that the quality of wind supply along the west coast is the best in the country. There are those who would argue it is the best in Europe. Deputy Ó Cuív fully understands h...More Button

As one can infer from the Deputy’s question, he knows that feedback to the grid is an expensive part of the process. He will also be aware of EirGrid’s ambitious investment plans for its development ...More Button

Written Answers - Broadcasting Services

Was asked: if he or the digital switchover steering group have identified areas in which neither terrestrial nor satellite reception will be possible after 2012 due to terrain; his plans to provide a digital RT...More Button

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 114(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 states the principal objects...More Button

Written Answers - Television Licence

Was asked: his plans to redefine the parameters under which households are obliged to hold a television licence; if so, the changes envisaged; the impact he envisages such changes will have on households throug...More Button

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the current TV licence system is that, except for certain classes of social welfare recipients, if you own a television set in Ireland you are liable to pay a televis...More Button

Was asked: if, in view of the licence fee paid through the Exchequer to RTÉ, he has issued any instruction or has had any discussions with the chairman of RTÉ regarding the remuneration of RTÉ staff including t...More Button

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 114(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 states the principal objects...More Button

Written Answers - Proposed Legislation

Was asked: if he will update the regulations or introduce new legislation in relation to the licensing of mobile telecommunications equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Mobile telecommunications are an electronic communications service under the terms of European legislation. The relevant national regulations in respect of mobile service provision have been updated ...More Button

Written Answers - Electricity Generation

Was asked: if he considers it financially prudent, from the perspective of the taxpayer, that Eirgrid is contemplating proceeding with a new application in relation to the proposed 400 km Meath to Tyrone interc...More Button

Was asked: if he considers it financially prudent from the perspective of the taxpayer that Eirgrid is contemplating proceeding with a new application in relation to the proposed 400 km Meath to Tyrone intercon...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 32 together. The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, which is the State owned body responsible for th...More Button

Written Answers - Electricity Grid

Was asked: if he will ensure priority access to the national grid for small scale wind farm projects, anaerobic digesters and district heaters of 3MW or less; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for grid connection offers and for oversight of EirGrid’s grid connection process, including the Gate Three process for renewabl...More Button

Written Answers - EU Council Meetings

Was asked: the outcome of the formal and informal European Union Energy Council meeting; if the Energy Roadmap 2050 has general agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The informal Energy Council held on the 3rd May in Budapest discussed progress to date on the Energy 2050 Roadmap which is being developed by the Commission. There was general agreement to the over...More Button

Written Answers - Sale of State Assets

Was asked: the consideration he has given to the McCarthy report into the sale of State assets and when decisions will be made by him on the locus of ownership of electricity transmissions assets currently owne...More Button

Was asked: his views on the recommendation on the report of the McCarthy review group on State assets and liabilities to dispose of ESB’s overseas interest and to prevent further expansion outside Ireland. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 29 together. I have responsibility for a range of commercial semi-State bodies that play critical roles in the Irish economy, not only by providing essential i...More Button

Written Answers - Job Creation

Was asked: the extent to which he can assist, incentivise or otherwise support job creation opportunities in various sectors, public and private under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Finance announced the Government’s jobs initiative in the House earlier this week which detailed the Government’s proposals in this regard. Energy and com...More Button

Written Answers - Ministerial Meetings

Was asked: if he has met the chairman of the north west forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The North West Mayo Forum was established in 2008 with the dual objectives of providing an opportunity for dialogue between parties with an interest in the Corrib gas project and offering an opportuni...More Button

Written Answers - Departmental Funding

Was asked: his plans for the long-term funding of TG4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Section 124 of the Broadcasting Act requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), within 3 years of enactment of the Broadcasting Act, to review the adequacy or otherwise of public funding to ...More Button

Written Answers - Fisheries Conservation

Was asked: if he will make a statement on the fact that the number of salmon being caught by rod and line on the River Laune, County Kerry is still dwindling in spite of the fact that the draft nets have been r...More Button

As the Deputy may be aware the Standing Scientific Committee advised that stocks of salmon in the River Laune are above its conservation level in 2011 and the Total Allowable Catch specified in the Wi...More Button

Written Answers - Broadcasting Services

Was asked: the number of hours of home produced television broadcast by RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2 and TG4 respectively in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

RTÉ and TG4 are independent national public service broadcasters whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. The principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and TG4 are se...More Button

Written Answers - Offshore Exploration

Was asked: if he can confirm recent reports that companies (details supplied) have made a significant find of oil off the coast of Dalkey, County Dublin; and the licensing status of this exploration. More Button

I assume the recent reports to which the Deputy is referring relate to Licensing Option 08/2 which was granted to Providence Resources plc and Star Energy Oil and Gas Ltd in 2008. Star Energy is a wh...More Button

Written Answers - Semi-State Bodies

Was asked: his plans to progress the proposal for the amalgamation of Bord na Móna and Coillte into Bio Energy Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

In the context of the NewERA Plan the Government commits to an ambitious strategy of accelerating the development of Ireland’s forestry and bioenergy resources. I will be working with Minister Rabbitt...More Button

Written Answers - Broadcasting Services

Was asked: if any analysis has been carried out, in view of the public money being expended on public service broadcasting, on the relative average cost per hour of producing and broadcasting one hours televisi...More Button

The matter to which the Deputy refers is one area that was considered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in the context of its report on a review of the adequacy of Public Service Broadcas...More Button

Written Answers - Alternative Energy Projects

Was asked: if and when biomass heating as proposed by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

No application under the name supplied has been made to any of the renewable energy or energy efficiency schemes run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, or to the REFIT scheme operated by ...More Button

Written Answers - Telecommunications Services

Was asked: the extent to which he expects to meet the highspeed broadband requirements of the entire country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: his preferred options for delivery of high speed broadband to all areas throughout the country with particular reference to domestic and commercial needs and to facilitate economic recovery; and if h...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together. The provision of electronic communications services, including broadband, is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers...More Button

Written Answers - Energy Resources

Was asked: the total number of oil, gas other mineral explorations in each of the past ten years to date in 2011; the number deemed commercial or viable; the number of licences issued but not activated; and if ...More Button

The number of Mineral Prospecting Licences and Petroleum Exploration Licences granted in each year between 2001 and 2011 are set out in the table. Licences Granted during period 2001-2011 Exploratio...More Button

Written Answers - Alternative Energy Projects

Was asked: the degree to which he will support the alternative energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff scheme (REFIT), which is administered by my Department is the key support scheme for the renewable energy sector, supporting renewable energy generators with a guar...More Button

Written Answers - Postal Services

Was asked: his preferred options for the future development of the postal services with particular reference to the need for a nationwide comprehensive letter and parcel next day delivery service; and if he wil...More Button

The Government’s core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. The Communications ...More Button

Written Answers - Grant Payments

Was asked: if the attic insulation grant will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy programme on behalf of my Department. My officials have requested SEAI to contact the individual in question as soon a...More Button

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