Willie O'Dea
Question:11. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his priorities for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4760/13]
View answerThursday, 31 January 2013
Questions (11)
Written answers
My Department deals with a very wide and complex policy agenda encompassing the areas of Energy, Communications, Broadcasting, Postal and Natural Resources. In addition the Department oversees important programmes funded from the Vote, and administers the Corporate Governance function in respect of some 15 commercial and non-commercial agencies and 3 regulators. These entities have a total employment of some 20,450 and in their own right discharge functions which are critical to the ongoing economic and social development of the country.
In addition, in the first half of 2013 as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Department will have responsibility for a very heavy EU agenda in the areas of Energy and Communications. As the Deputy will appreciate there are numerous work programmes under the aegis of my Department and Agencies flowing from the broad responsibilities set out above. In this regard key priorities for me in 2013 are, in brief, as follows:
Energy
- Delivering Energy Efficiency Strategies, Programmes and Funding Mechanisms for business, public sector and domestic housing.
- Ensuring progressive delivery on Ireland’s legally binding EU renewable electricity, heat and transport targets and supporting the economic development of onshore and offshore renewable energy resources for the domestic and export markets.
- Ensuring security of energy supply through encouraging cost effective timely investment in energy infrastructure.
- Promoting the competitiveness of energy costs for business and the consumer through actions to address controllable costs, bearing in mind that Ireland has little control over the factors contributing to energy costs given our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Implementation of the Energy State Assets Divestment Programme in line with Government policy and in cooperation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA.
Communications
- Implementation of the National Broadband Plan published in August 2012.
- Publication of a National Digital Strategy.
- Continued roll out of 100 Mbs scheme to all 2nd level schools (to be completed by 2014).
- Ensuring the appropriate regulatory frameworks are in place to enable ComReg to properly promote and incentivise continued investment in infrastructure and the provision of competitive products and services.
- Publication of a National Digital Strategy in early 2013 aimed at setting out a compelling case for increased digital adoption right across society, with particular emphasis on small businesses, education and citizens.
Broadcasting
- Completion, consideration and actioning as appropriate of the study on introduction of Public Sector Broadcasting charge.
- Consideration of, and policy response, to Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s (BAI) review of Public Funding for Public Service Broadcasters.
Postal
- In cooperation with An Post, maintenance of national network of post offices and postal services, and of a financially viable position for the Company.
- Launch of tender and completion of procurement for introduction of National Postcode system.
Natural Resources
- Promotion and regulatory oversight of off-shore and on-shore mineral and petroleum exploration and extraction.
- Progression of EPA study into hydraulic fracturing.
- Publication and enactment of the Minerals Development Bill.
- Implementation of 2013 Atlantic Regional Seismic Survey.
Other
- Effective management of the Department’s Voted Estimates to ensure no overruns in expenditure in 2013.
- Implementation of and input into the public sector reform programme.
- Efficient and effective discharge of all matters within the Department’s competence, notably in the areas of Energy and Communications, arising from Ireland’s EU Presidency and more generally inputting into EU policy, taking full account of Irish interests.