A list of the task forces, consultant reviews, review groups, tribunals, inquiries and similar bodies set up by my Department since July 1997 together with the publication dates, where applicable, are set out in the following table. In the time available it was not possible to determine that the list is completely definitive in every respect. Further detailed checking is being carried out and any additions will be conveyed to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Communications Sector
|
Task Forces, Consultant Reviews etc. |
Publication Date |
|
Advisory committee on Infocomms established to provide independent and neutral advice to the Department on the best strategy for the development of the information communications technology sector |
March 2002 |
|
Mr. Phil Flynn acted as independent chairperson to progress discussions between An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union on the sub-post office network |
April 2001 |
|
Interdepartmental group established to assess options for the long-term viability of Post Office services |
July 2001 |
|
Advisory committee on telecommunications which was established in June 1998 to advise the Minister on a strategy to position Ireland as a key global centre in advanced telecommunications, the Internet and electronic commerce. |
November 1998 |
|
Advisory group on Infocomms which was established in June 2001 to advise the Minister on a strategy to re-position Ireland as a key global centre in advanced information and communications technology or ICT. |
March 2002 |
|
Interdepartmental committee on network and information security which was established in December 2001 to review arrangements and to promote best practice with regard to Internet related network security matters. |
No reports issued by committee |
|
Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Energy and the Information Society which was established in August 2000 to address the potential energy demand from data centres, web farms and other ICT related developments. |
January 2001 |
|
Interdepartmental steering committee – international connectivity project which was established in November 1998 to monitor on an ongoing basis the implementation of the international connectivity project, Global Crossing. |
No reports issued by committee |
|
Economic and value for money study of the impact of the 1999 international connectivity project commissioned in July 2002. |
To be published shortly |
|
Interdepartmental task force on biometrics which was established in 2001 to consider the use of biometrics technology in the delivery of Government services. |
To be published shortly |
|
Forum on broadcasting – set up by the then Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands on 22 March 2002. |
August 2002 |
Energy Sector
|
Task Forces, Consultant Reviews etc. |
Publication Date |
|
North-South energy studies – commissioned jointly by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Public Enterprise to prepare information reports on the energy sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and a draft report on options for the future evolution of both markets, with particular emphasis on convergence and increased joint collaborative activity undertaken by IPA Energy Consulting Limited. |
October 2000 |
|
Advice on proposed charges for access to the gas transmission system undertaken by Arthur Andersen |
Not published |
|
Examination of environmental impact statement for the Carrickmines to Bray natural gas transmission pipeline undertaken by Forbairt |
Not published |
|
Financial and technical review of proposed charges for access to the Irish gas transmission system undertaken by NERA economic consultants |
1999 |
|
Economic evaluation of the impact on competition in the electricity sector of the allocations of further capacity in the natural gas network to the ESB undertaken by Indecon economic consultants |
Not for publication |
|
Task Forces, Consultant Reviews etc. |
Publication Date |
|
Consultancy advice in relation to the development of a regulatory regime for the authorisation of new gas pipelines and tariffs for third party access to the natural gas network undertaken by Brattle Group, economic consultants |
July 2000 |
|
Study of the engineering status of eight pipeline projects undertaken by Byrne Ó Cléirigh |
Not published |
|
Assessment of the ringmain option and public service levy undertaken by Byrne Ó Cléirigh |
Not for publication |
|
Independent analysis of security of supply options for natural gas undertaken by Stone and Webster Consultants TES Consulting Engineers |
Not for publication |
|
Consultants commissioned to independently evaluate environmental impact statements in respect of three gas projects undertaken by TES Consulting Engineers |
Published on Department website in 2001 |
|
Consultants commissioned to independently evaluate the detailed engineering reports in relation to the gas pipeline to the West undertaken by Det Norske Veritas |
Not published |
|
Consultants commissioned to evaluate EAR submissions for Galway city and NEP 2 sub-threshold gas pipelines undertaken by David Kelly & Associates |
Not published |
|
Consultants commissioned to independently evaluate detailed engineering for Mayo-Galway gas pipeline undertaken by Wilcock Consulting Engineers |
Not published |
|
Consultants commissioned to independently evaluate detailed engineering for the Interconnector 11 between Scotland and Ireland undertaken by Glendee Engineering Limited |
Not published |
|
Economic evaluation of infrastructural options for meeting gas demand up to 2025 undertaken by DKM Economic Consultants |
1998 |
|
Examination of environmental appraisal report for Abbottstown to Poolbeg natural gas pipeline undertaken by Enterprise Ireland |
Not published |
|
Examination of environmental impact statement for natural gas transmission pipeline from Ballough to Brownsbarn undertaken by Byrne Ó Cléirigh consulting engineers |
Not published |
|
Examination of environmental appraisal report for natural gas transmission pipeline from Ballyvass to Athy undertaken by Byrne Ó Cléirigh consulting engineers |
Not published |
|
Examination of environmental appraisal report for natural gas transmission pipeline from Caherlag to Ballincollig undertaken by Enterprise Ireland |
Not published |
|
Examination of environmental appraisal report for natural gas transmission pipeline from Baunlusk to Ballyragget undertaken by Enterprise Ireland |
Not published |
|
Examination of environmental appraisal report for natural gas transmission pipeline from Pilltown to Navan undertaken by Enterprise Ireland |
Not published |
|
An appraisal of alternative proposed arrangements for meeting the projected demands for natural gas undertaken by Shannon/McManus |
1999 |
|
Gas Technical Standards Committee undertaken by Liam Ó hAlmhain Consultancy Service |
No Report |
|
Valuation of BGE undertaken by AIB Corporate Finance |
Not published |
|
Review of BGE capital budgeting and pipeline cost estimation processes undertaken by Arthur Andersen |
Not published |
|
Review of legal and financial aspects of BGE Eurobond proposal undertaken by MOPS-NCB Corporate Finance |
Not published |
|
Review of the Irish national petroleum corporation strategic alliance process (2000) undertaken by Arthur Andersen |
Not for publication |
|
Advice to Minister and Minister for Finance on the INPC strategic alliance process, ongoing in respect of residual matters, in association with Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Not for publication |
|
Audit of EU backed expenditure in relation to the new peat fired electricity generating plant in Edenderry undertaken by Helm Corporation |
Not published |
|
Audit of EU backed expenditure in relation to a cutaway bog measure and new peat fired generating station undertaken by Arthur Andersen |
Not published |
|
To examine all aspects of, and obstacles to, the further deployment of renewable energy technologies undertaken by renewable energy strategy group established November 1999 |
July 2000 |
|
To advise the Minister in the selection of clusters of renewable energy projects for funding under the grid investment programme and to oversee the programme undertaken by the steering group for the grid upgrade development programme established in July 2001 |
Not published |
|
Interim board to the Irish Energy Centre established in December 2000 to oversee the IEC's transition from Enterprise Ireland to a statutory body |
Not published |
|
To examine Ireland's energy efficiency programme and make recommendations on a programme for the period 2000-05 undertaken by London Economics in association with Byrne Ó Cléirigh Limited |
Not published as it was superseded by the Green Paper on Sustainable Energy 1999 |
|
To analyse policy measures that might be introduced in Ireland to limit or reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions undertaken by Environmental Resources Management in association with Byrne Ó Cléirigh Limited and the ESRI. |
1998 |
|
Safety review for offshore exploration and production activities undertaken by Risk Management International |
Not published |
Marine Sector
|
Task Forces, Consultant Reviews etc. |
Publication Date |
|
Irish Aquaculture: the Future Strategies for meeting the Global Seafood Challenge undertaken by Circa Group Consultants |
June 2000 |
|
Aquaculture Working Group on New Species Development |
May 2002 |
|
Task Force on Dumping of Radioactive Material in the Maritime area established in 1997 |
December 1999 |
|
Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Policy Review Group established in 2002 |
Due to be published end June 2003 |
|
Expenditure Review of Irish Marine Emergency Service in July 1998 undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers |
March 1999 |
|
Completion of study on the feasibility of deploying an emergency towing vessel undertaken by the Nautical Enterprise Centre Cork in December 1998. |
March 2000 |
|
Completion of Irish Coast Guard study in June 2001 undertaken by Deloitte & Touche |
December 2002 |
|
National Common Fisheries Policy Strategy Group 1998-2002 |
Five reports published 1998-2002 |
|
Task force on Training and Employment in the Seafood Industry |
February 2001 |
|
Development of integrated transport statistics database undertaken by Information Management International Limited |
March 1998 |
|
The Way Forward for Irish Seafood: Strategy for development of the Irish Seafood Process Sector undertaken by Indecon and PricewaterhouseCoopers |
January 2001 |
|
Strategies for change in the Irish Herring industry. Report of task force. |
March 1998 |
|
Assessment of Irish Commercial Seaport Capacity undertaken by Baxter Eadie Limited & Others |
April 1998 |
|
Review of the State Regional Ports and Harbours KPMG Consulting & Others undertaken by review of the State regional ports and harbours |
October 1999 |
|
Review of operations and structures of the sea ports in the Shannon estuary undertaken by KPMG Consulting with technical inputs from Posford Duviver |
March 2000 |
|
Study on assessment on intermodal and port access requirements undertaken by Arup Consulting Engineers & Others |
October 2000 |
|
Study on assessment of shipping costs to and from Irish Sea ports undertaken by Baxter Eadie Limited & Others |
October 2000 |
|
Assessment of Irish Commercial Seaport Capacity, update, undertaken by Baxter Eadie Limited in association with ORM Consulting (Dublin) |
October 2000 |
|
Performance audit of the State port companies undertaken by Jonathon Packer & Associates & Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants |
Not yet published due to litigation |
|
Report of the ministerial task force on transport logistics undertaken by ministerial task force on transport logistics |
April 2002 |
|
Report of the ministerial task force on the development of port estates undertaken by ministerial task force on the development of port estates |
It is intended to bring the findings of the report to Government shortly. The report will then be published |
|
KHSK Economic Consultants employed to act as a facilitator to the ministerial task force on transport logistics |
Not for publication |
|
KHSK Economic Consultants employed to act as a facilitator to the ministerial task force on the development of Port Estates |
Not for publication |
|
Review of the practice worldwide of the development of port estates for the ministerial task force on development of port estates undertaken by Plymouth Enterprise Partnerships Limited |
November 2001 |
|
Review of practice worldwide in overcoming problems of landside freight access to ports for ministerial task force on transport Logistics undertaken by Plymouth Enterprise Partnerships Limited |
September 2001 |
|
Evaluation of applications for grant aid under the sea ports measure of the national development plan undertaken by Jonathon Packer & Associates |
Not for publication |
|
High level review on State commercial ports undertaken by Raymond Burke Consulting & Others |
It is intended to bring the findings of the report to Government shortly. The report will then be published |
|
Ministerial task force on seafarer training and employment, February 1998 |
1998 |
|
Interdepartmental expert working group to examine the costings, financing and timing of the new national maritime college, April 1999 |
Not for publication |
|
Feasibility study of the potential for a ferry service linking Achill Island to the Erris Peninsula undertaken by Tourism and Transport Consult International in March 2002 |
March 2003 |
|
Task Forces, Consultant Reviews etc. |
Publication Date |
|
An analysis of the management requirements at Dunmore East fishery harbour centre in conjunction with Dunmore East interim harbour board undertaken by Waterford in Business |
Report was completed in January 2002. Not for publication. |
|
Provision of advice and recommendations to the review group set up to examine the management of the five fishery harbour centres and Dingle Harbour undertaken by WESTBIC |
Report was completed in December 2001. Not for publication. |
|
A strategic and operational review of maritime safety regulatory services undertaken by Deloitte & Touche |
Not published |
|
A Review of the Jeanie Johnston replica famine vessel project was jointly commissioned by the Minister and Kerry County Council in October 2002 |
Will be published as soon as possible after completion. |
|
A review of aquaculture licensing was carried out for the Department by KPMG |
Not for publication |
|
Sea trout review group May 2001 |
May 2002 |
|
Human resources strategy review for the central and regional fisheries boards undertaken by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young in December 2000 |
Report presented to Minister in December 2001. |
|
Eel review group – June 2002 |
It is envisaged that the group will report to the Minister shortly. Decision on publication will follow thereafter |
|
Salmon management working group – August 1998 |
October 1999 |
Natural Resources
|
Task Forces, Consultant Reviews etc. |
Publication Date |
|
Advice on new forestry programme undertaken by Brendan Kearney & Associates completed in December 2000 |
Not for publication |
|
Evaluation of the western forestry co-operative undertaken by Brendan Kearney & Associates completed in December 2000 |
Not for publication |
|
Review of forestry publicity activities undertaken by Setanta Communications |
Not completed |
|
Assess viability of current levels of forest premia undertaken by Curtin Dorgan Associates |
Due for completion in 2003 |
|
Policy review of Coillte Teoranta undertaken by AIB capital markets and Merrill Lynch International |
Published in April 2000 |
|
Review of forestry training activities undertaken by Pureser Tarleton Russell |
Not for publication |
|
Review of Irish Forestry Contractors Association undertaken by Fitzpatrick & Associates |
Not for publication |
|
Review of harvesting machine grant scheme undertaken by Curtin Dorgan Associates |
Not for publication |
|
Drafting of Forestry Landscape Guidelines undertaken by UCD |
Not for publication |
|
Forest classification project to map and classify the national forest undertaken by Coillte Teoranta |
Not for publication |
|
Development of forestry soils and productivity coverage undertaken by Teagasc |
Not for publication |
|
Development of grants and premium administration system undertaken by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young |
Not for publication |
|
Project management of GADS feasibility study undertaken by Forest Enterprises Limited |
Not for publication |
|
IT services for GADS project undertaken by Mizar Geo Engineering Limited |
Not for publication |
|
Landscape character and sensibility project for Mayo undertaken by UCD |
Not for publication |
|
Drafting forestry archaeological guidelines undertaken by archaeological services unit, UCC |
Not for publication |
|
Drafting of forest biodiversity guidelines undertaken by Susan Ironmonger |
Not for publication |