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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Bodies.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

749 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of all working groups, advisory groups, consultancies and so on, established or commissioned by his Department since January 2001; the membership of each; the date expected to report; and if it is planned that these should be published or not. [20307/03]

A list follows of all working groups, advisory groups, consultancies established or commissioned by my Department since January 2001 together with, where applicable, their membership and reporting and publication arrangements. My Department is reviewing the scope for placing reports not published to date on the Department's website.

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Advisory Committee on Infocomms

H. Brian ThompsonAnne BingamanJohn EganDenis GilhoolyPaul KavanaghDouglas KarpMichio NarutoPat NettlesTom Sullivan

To provide independent advice to the Department on the best strategy for the development of the Information and Communications (ICT) sector

February 2002

Yes

Broadband Expert Group

Brendan Tuohy (DCMNR),John Boland (Chief Executive HEAnet),Alastir Glass(Science Foundation Ireland),David Parkinson(Magnum Opus)Joe Macri (Microsoft Ireland),Jennifer Condon (Enterprise Ireland),Denis Molumby (IDA Ireland),Former MembersChris Horn (Iona Technologies),Martin Murphy (Hewlett Packard)

To advise the Department on developments in broadband technologies and deployment

Ongoing overview of broadband developments

Interdepartmental Task Force on Biometrics

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources,REACH,PA Consulting,Department of Foreign Affairs,Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs,Department of the Taoiseach,Forfás,Department of Transport,Centre for Management and Organisational Development – Department of Finance

To consider the use of biometric technology in the delivery of Government Services

November 2002

Yes

Indecon Consultants

Economic and Value for money study of the impact of the 1999 International Connectivity Project

To be published shortly

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Management Services Entity Procurement Process Project Board

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources,IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland,Department of Finance,National Development Finance Agency,Project Auditor, Mr. John Travers,

Established in August 2003 to oversee the engagement of a Management Services Entity to market, maintain and operate, on an open access concession basis, the telecommunications infrastructure currently being constructed under the Regional Broadband Programme

No report expected

Telecoms Strategy Group

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources,Department of Finance,ALTO,Chorus,Telecommunications & Internet Federation,Department of the Taoiseach,Eircom,Esat BT,Meteor,NTL,O2,Vodafone

Established in October 2002 to report on measures that might increase the level of demand for broadband services in Ireland.

July 2003

Interdepartmental Committee on Network and Information Security

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources,Department of the Taoiseach,Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs,Department of Foreign Affairs,Centre for Management and Organisational Development, Department of Finance,Department of Environment and Local Government,Central Statistics Office,Department of DefenceDepartment of Education and Science,Commission for Communications Regulation,Office of Public Works,Department of Tourism, Sports and Recreation,Department of Agriculture and Food,Department of Health and Children,Office of the Attorney General,Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform,HEAnet Ltd,REACH,Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Established to review arrangements and to promote best practice with regard to network security

www.netsecure.ielaunched July 2003

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Mason, Hayes and Curran

Assistance with drafting of Regulations under the European Communities Act for the transposition of the European Communities Regulatory Package for Electronic Communications

No report will be prepared

Matheson, Ormsby and Prentice

Assistance with consolidation of Wireless Telegraphy Legislation

No report will be prepared

Forum on Broadcasting

Maurice O'Connell (Chairman),Jean Callanan (Former advertising executive, Waterford Crystal), Gillian Bowler (Former member of Independent Radio and Television Commission and founder of Budget Travel), Patricia Quinn (Director of the Arts Council), Declan Kiberd (Professor of English, UCD) John Horgan (Professor of Journalism, DCU), Donal Kelly (Retired RTE journalist)

March 2002

Yes

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Review of the implications of Broadcasting Forum Report

December 2002

Yes

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Review of RTE licence fee application

December 2002

Yes

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Review of market for commercial broadcasting revenues in Ireland

December 2002

Not published

Murray Consultants Ltd

Fees for public session, Broadcasting Forum*

September 2002

Not published

Murray Consultants Ltd

Designation of certain sporting and cultural events*

November 2002

Not published

AIB Corporate Services

Digital Terrestrial Television – Provide Assistance in relation to (i) negotiations with parties interested in being selected as the DTT Multiplex Operator and (ii) the Department's supervision of the sales process by RTE of its transmission network.

December 2002

Not published

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

NERA

Digital Terrestrial Television-Economic Advice

December 2002

Not published

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Digital Terrestrial Television – Legal Consultancy

December 2002

Not published

Frank Murray

Digital Terrestrial Television, Process Auditor

December 2002

Not published

Curtis Carthwright

Digital Terrestrial Television, Engineering Consultancy

December 2002

Not published

*This was not a report, it was project management of a public forum.
Marine

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Jonathan Packer & Associates & Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants

Performance Audit of the State Port Companies

Not to be published due to ongoing litigation

Ministerial Task Force on Transport Logistics

David Glynn (DCMNR),John Mangan (Irish Management Institute), Sean Geary (Irish Ports Association), Barry Foley (Reefercare Ltd), Tim O'Sullivan (Dublin Corporation), Eddie Breen (Waterford Corporation)Derek Sloan (Norfolkline),Peter McEvoy (Department of Environment and Local Government), Liam Daly (Department of Public Enterprise), Stephen Aherne (Iarnród Éireann), Enda Connellan (Dublin Port Company), Jack Nash (SIPTU), Kevin Hannigan (Facilitator) (KHSK Economic Consultants), Mary Gallagher (Stena Line), Sean Lanigan (Ex-Bell Lines Ltd), Reg McCabe (IBEC),Jerry Kiersey (Transport Umbrella Group), John Nolan (Dublin Port Stevedores Ltd),Noelle Canton (Irish Ship Agents Association), Edward O'Connell (O'Connell Transport)

December 2001

Yes

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Ministerial Task Force on the development of Port Estates

Paul Tansey (Tansey, Webster, Stewart Economic Consultants), Sean Benton (Office of Public Works), Noelle Canton (Irish Ship Agents Association),Terry Durney (Dublin Docklands Development Authority), David Glynn (DCMNR), Jerry Killeen (Irish Ports Association), Pat Magner (Chairman Royal/Grand Canal Task Force and Council DDDA), Ian Scott (Arthur Cox Solicitors), Michael Walsh (MW Consultants)Ronan Webster (Insignia Richard Ellis Gunne), Seamus Monaghan (Sligo Harbour Commissioners),Kevin Hannigan (Facilitator) (KHSK Economic Consultants).

April 2002

Yes

Plymouth Enterprise Partnerships Ltd

Review of the practice worldwide of the development of port estates for the Ministerial Task Force on Development of Port Estates

November 2001

Yes

Plymouth Enterprise Partnerships Ltd

Review of the practice worldwide in overcoming problems of landslide freight access to ports for Ministerial Task Force on Transport Logistics

September 2001

Yes

Jonathan Packer & Associates

Evaluation of applications for grant aid under the Seaports Measure of the National Development Plan

August 2001

Not published

Raymond Burke Consulting,

Farrell Grant Sparks, Corporate Finance, Posford Haskoning

High Level Review on State Commercial Ports

April 2003

Yes

Tourism and Transport Consult International

Feasibility study of the potential for a ferry service linking Achill Island to the Erris Peninsula

Study completed in May 2002 and still under examination

Intended for Publication

Jeanie Johnston Review Group

M.D. Nolan (Kerry County Council, Chairman), K. Lynch (Kerry County Council), J. Keohane (DCMNR), G. O'Doherty (DCMNR), Sean Cromien

Review of the Jeanie Johnston replica famine vessel project

June 2003

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

2 Marine Tourism Pilot Projects

Ceantar na nOileánCilian Fennel (TG4), Steve Ó Culain (Údarás na Gaeltachta, Secretary),Gearóid Ó Cosgardha (MFG), Anne Wilkonson (Foras na Mara), Enda Thompson (Comhairle Condae na Gaillimhe), Ann Whelan (CERT), Esther Carr (Fáilte an Iarthair Teo), Mullet PeninsulaLiam Twomey (National Aquarium of Ireland, Chairperson), Anne Wilkonson (Marine Institute), Sean Ó Coitealbha (Údarás na Gaeltachta), Martin Bradley (Ireland West Tourism), Tim Quinn (LEADER), Peter Hynes (Mayo County Council).

Oversee the growth of sustainable marine based tourism development in Ceantar na nOileán and in the Mullet Peninsula

16 September 2003By end 2003

Not publishedNot for publication

Waterford in Business

An analysis of the management requirements at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre in conjunction with Dunmore East Interim Harbour Board

January 2002

Not published

Westbic

Provision of advice and recommendations to the Review Group set up to examine the management of the five Fishery Harbour Centres and Dingle Harbour

December 2001

Not published

Experian Ireland Ltd

Debt collection services for harbour dues

2002

Not published

Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Limited

Proposal for a Cost Benefit Analysis of proposed harbour developments at Cromane, Co. Kerry

March 2002

Not published

Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Limited

Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre major project analysis

January 2003

Not published

Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Policy Review Group

Representatives from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, BIM, AG's Office, Marine Institute and fishing industry organisations

Group has given its response to proposals on licensing policy put forward by the Minister. Further recommendations/ positions to follow in coming months

Yes

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Deloitte & Touche

Irish Coast Guard Study

August 2002

Yes

Mason Communications

To identify suitable radio sites for the Irish Coast Guard operations on the River Shannon and surrounding area.

August 2001

Not published

The Expert Group on Disposal of Contaminated Dredge Spoil

Dr. Terry McMahonDr. Evin McGovernMs Margot CroninMs Jacqueline DoyleMr. Tony O'SullivanDr. Liz SidesMr. Rick BoelinsDr. Ger MorganMr. Barry CollMs Nuala Bannon

October 2003

Yes

Preliminary Steering Group

Department of Marine and Natural Resources, Marine Institute, Department of Environment and Local Government, Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht

A strategic study of Dublin Bay

Work of group currently suspended, position being kept under review

Environmental Resources Management (ERM), in association with ERA-Maptec

Steering Group for the preparation of the GuidelinesDick McKeever (DCMNR Chairman), Noel Kavanagh (Bord Fáilte), Dr. Terry McMahon (Marine Institute), Declan O'Rourke (DCMNR), Tom Scanlon (BIM), Mr. P.J. Shaw (DCMNR)

Produce ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of Marine Aquaculture'

May 2001

Yes

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Working Group on New Aquaculture Species

Declan Clarke(Chairman, NUI Galway),Thomas Tobin (DCMNR),Bernie Comey(DCMNR),Michael Ó Cinnéide (Marine Institute),Dave Jackson (Marine Institute),Fiona Geoghegan (Marine Institute),Richard Donnelly (BIM),Lucy Watson (BIM),Owen Doyle (BIM),Mark Norman (Taighde Mara Teo),Paul Casburn (Taighde Mara Teo),Damien Toner (Cross Border Aquaculture Initiative), Michael Corduff (Údarás na Gaeltachta),Hamish Rodger (Vet Aqua and Atlantic Veterinary Services),Joe McElwee (Turbard Iarthar Chonamara Teo),Diarmuid Mulcahy (Aquatask Enterprises), Paul Younger (Clanawley Kilmore Enterprises), Karen Creed (Southern Regional Fisheries Board)

May 2002

Yes

Sea Trout Review Group

Pat Lynch (Chairman), Michael Kennedy (WRFB, chief executive officer),Dr. John Casey (Ballinahinch Fisheries Co-op), Richie Flynn (Representing Aquaculture), James Ryan (Representing Aquaculture), Kevin Murphy (Representing Aquaculture), Dr. Ken Whelan (Marine Institute), Dr. Russell Poole (Marine Institute), Donal Maguire (BIM), Dr. Paddy Gargan (CFB), Lal Faherty (CFB), Marion Foley (Secretary)

May 2002

Not published

Communications Sector

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Eel Review Group

Dr. T.K. McCarthy (Chairperson), Dr. Russell Poole (Marine Institute and Secretary),Dr. Paddy Gargan (CFB), Dr. Milton Matthews (NRFB, assistant chief executive officer), Pat Gorman (WRFB),Eamon Cusack (Shannon Regional Fisheries Board), Lucy Watson (BIM), Marcus McAuley (Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland), Dr. Robert Rosell (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland), Gerry Gough (ESB), Philip McMahon (DCMNR), Representatives of Eel Fishermen selected by the MinisterGary CreavinCouncillor Kevin MoranDamien MurrayKevin GrimesMartin McEnroeSeamus Mulvihill

End 2003

To be decided

Energy

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Liam Ó hAlmhain Consultancy Service

Gas Technical Standards Committee

No Report

Arthur Andersen

Review of BGE Capital Budgeting and Pipeline Cost Estimation Processes

June 2002

Not published

MOPS/NCB Corporate Finance

Review of Legal and Financial Aspects of BGE Eurobond Proposal

October 2002

Not published

Energy

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Helm Corporation

Audit of EU backed expenditure in relation to the new peat fired electricity generating plant in Edenderry

September 2001

Not published

Arthur Andersen

Audit of EU backed expenditure in relation to cutaway bogs measure and new peat fired generating station

May 2002

Not published

Stone and Webster Consultants

Independent analysis of security of supply options for natural gas

February 2001

Not published

TES Consulting Engineers

Evaluation of the Environmental Impact Statements for 3 pipelines: Dublin/Galway/Limerick (Gas to the West), Second Scotland Ireland interconnector and Mayo/Galway

September 2001

Yes

David Kelly & Associates

Commissioned to evaluate Environmental Appraisal Report (EAR) for Barnakyle to Coonagh gas pipeline

October 2001

Not published

Det Norske Veritas

Evaluation of Detailed Engineering for Dublin-Limerick-Galway pipeline

December 2001

Not published

Glendee Engineering Ltd

Evaluation of Detailed Engineering for Second Scotland-Ireland interconnector

December 2001

Not published

Wilcock Consulting

Evaluation of Detailed Engineering for Mayo-Galway pipeline

February 2002

Not published

David Kelly & Associates

Commissioned to evaluate EAR's for Galway (Ballymoneen to Ballygorraun) and NEP 2 sub threshold gas pipelines

February 2002

Not published

I.P.A. Energy Consulting Ltd.

North/South Energy Studies – Commissioned jointly by the Department of Public Enterprise and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, N.I., 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.

October 2001

Energy

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Brolyn Consultants Ltd.

Due diligence on, ‘Proposal for Mining Museum and Underground Experience at Arigna, County Roscommon'.

Not published

M.C. O'Sullivan & Co.

Due diligence on, ‘Proposal for Mining Museum and Underground Experience at Arigna, County Roscommon'.

Not published

Steffen, Robertson & Kirsten Ltd, Cardiff

Consultancy to prepare management and rehabilitation plans for Silvermines area, County Tipperary.

Not published

Steffen, Robertson & Kirsten Ltd, Cardiff

Study to characterise groundwater systems in the Silvermines Mining District, County Tipperary.

Not published

Hilliard Ltd, County Kerry.

Drilling & Testing at Silvermines in connection with ground water systems

Not published

PGW Europe

Support for assessment of airborne geophysical data.

Not published

O'Hare & Associates

Advice in relation to mining finances.

Not published

Knight Piesold Ltd. Kent

Examination of subsidence at Galmoy mine, County Kilkenny.

Not published

Steffen, Robertson & Kirsten Ltd. Cardiff.

Examination of certain aspects of a planning application for an extension by Tara Mines Ltd. to its mine at Navan, Co. Meath.

Not published

Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten.

Examination of EIS for proposed development by Irish Gypsum Ltd. of a new underground mine at Drummond, County Monaghan.

Not published

Cantab Consulting, Kent

Examination of EIS and planning application for extension to Arcon Mine at Galmoy, County Kilkenny

Not published

David Fox, Petroleum Consultant

Fiscal terms Comparison study for Petroleum Affairs Division

December 2003

Not for publication

Energy

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

D. Kelly and Associates

Review an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development of the South West Kinsale Greensand Development off the Cork Coast.

March 2003

Not published

D. Kelly and Associates

Advice on Chemical Use and Discharge by the offshore industry in the marine environment.

Ongoing

Not for publication

Clare Morgan, Consultant Geophysicist

Seismic Interpretation

Ongoing

Not for publication

Environmental Resources Management

Review Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development of the Seven Heads Gas Field

February 2003

Not published

Environmental Monitoring Group for the Corrib Gas Field

Michael J. Daly, Principal Officer in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR)Dick McKeever, Engineering Division, DCMNRJim Moore, Deputy Regional Manager, Dúchas,Paul Gallagher, Onshore Pipeline Engineer, Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd (EEIL)David Lane, Onshore Terminal Construction Manager, EEIL (Replaced by Mark Carrigy EEIL)Peter Hynes, Community Services Director, Mayo County CouncilPádraig Philbin, Engineer, Mayo County CouncilEamonn O'Duibhir,Chairperson of Erris Inshore Fishermens Organisation Resigned on 25 November 2001Vincent Roche, Chief Executive Officer in the NWRFB subsequently replaced by John ConneelyPádraig McGrath, Representing Rossport ResidentsMs Carmel Murray, Assistant Principal Officer, DCMNR, Secretary to the Group.

Periodic Reports issued through local media

Steering Group for the Grid Upgrade Development

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.

April 2003

Natural Resources

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

DCMNR Climate change working group

Diarmuid McAree.Noel O'Connor.Dr. Eugene Hendrick.Myles McDonaghNuala McLoughlinMichael McGettiganProf. Ted FarrellDr. Gerhardt GallagherTom BurkeGerry CodyKevin CollinsKen ByrneMichael YoungCiaran DoyleDr. Peter ClinchDr. Conor BarryMichael Daly

To put in place measures to achieve forestry objectives as set out in National climate change strategy and to co-ordinate data input into national and international climate change processes.

No report will be produced

Aerial fertilisation Working group

Noel O'ConnorNoel FoleyPat O'CallaghanDr. Miriam Ryan

Drafting Forestry and Aerial fertilisation guidelines.

December 2001

Yes

Forestry EIA Working Group

Gerry CodyGerard LongPat O' CallaghanDr. Gerhardt GallagherHenry Phillips.

Drafting EIA guidelines for initial afforestation.

End of 2003

Yes

Curtin, Dorgan Associates

Assess viability of current levels of forest premia.

End of 2003

Yes

Fitzpatrick & Associates.

Review of Irish Forestry Contractors Association.The Forest Service commissioned a fundamental review of the IFCA in order to set out a development plan for the association. The aim of the review was to address objectives and clearly defined targets for the association, and to identify opportunities for funding from other sources and to establish a realistic income growth path for the association over the course of the Regional Operational Programmes 2000-2006.

2001

Not published

Natural Resources

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Curtin, Dorgan Associates

Review of Harvesting Machine Grant Scheme

2001

Not published

UCD

Landscape character and sensitivity project for Mayo

December 2002

Not published

Canadian Centre of Marine Communications

Technical Evaluation of the National Seabed Survey Project

2001

Not published

Finance

Working Groups, Advisory Groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

HELM Corporation Ltd (Consultancy)

HELMCathy O'ConnorSéan O'BrionDermot McGeadyClaire O'Donnell

The consultancy commenced in March 2003 and was completed in June 2003. The deliverable was to provide the Department with an Asset Management Strategy

Not published

Cap Gemini, Ernst & Young (Consultancy)

Cap Gemini, Ernst & YoungMary KinsellaPaul MulqueenBrian BreslinNiamh SmithJonathan HarteMick BrophyBilly TuohyCathy O'ConnorSean HurleyBarry FitzpatrickClaire O'DonnellJohn Dillon

Phase 1 was for 80 days (signed in May 2002) to review the financial management and performance measurements processes of the Department within the context of the Management Information Framework. The deliverable was to provide the Department with a Current State and Future State model for implementing MIF in the DepartmentThe contract was extended in April 2003 (10 days) to assist the Department with delivery of MIF, specifically to assist with specification and selection of a financial system

December 2002

Not published

Finance

Working groups, Advisory groups, Consultancies

Membership

Description

Date of Report

Report published or to be published

Richard Banks Ltd

Value for money review of Fishery Harbour Development Expenditure Programme

Completed and considered by Department of Finance Central Steering Committee. Analysis and implementation of recommendations is ongoing

**

Fitzpatrick Associates

Value for money review of Coast Protection programme

Completed and considered by Department of Finance Central Steering Committee. Analysis and implementation of recommendations is ongoing

**

Nautilis

Value for money review of the BIM Ice Plant Programme

Completed and considered by Department of Finance Central Steering Committee. Analysis and implementation of recommendations is ongoing

**

CIRCA Group

Value for money review of the Forestry Structural Programme

Due October 2003

**

Indecon

Value for money review of Departmental expenditure programme of inland fisheries established in August 2001

Due October 2003

**

**It is proposed that all Value for Money reports will be posted on the Department's website, following consideration of the Multi-Disciplinary Steering Group, and the Department of Finance's Central Steering Committee.
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