Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Road Projects

Michael Colreavy

297. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an approach has been made to the National Roads Authority to construct the North-South interconnector underground in ducts as part of the A5-N2 project; and if the NRA have commented on the matter. [29975/14]

Natural Resources

Michael Colreavy

301. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of commissioning the Wood Mackenzie report into Ireland's oil and gas fiscal system to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30001/14]

Broadcasting Sector Regulation

Michael Colreavy

311. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a section of the funds allocated to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will be ring-fenced for community broadcasting projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30346/14]

Gas Exploration Revenue

Michael Colreavy

312. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the projected income to the State from the Corrib gas field in the years 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30347/14]

Departmental Contracts

Michael Colreavy

313. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form, a list of consultants to his Department for the past ten years; the amount each consultant was paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30348/14]

Renewable Energy Exports

Michael Colreavy

314. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the State money spent on the pursuing the memorandum of understanding with Britain on renewable energy export; the money that was spent on its outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30349/14]

Public Service Obligation Levy Application

Michael Colreavy

315. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the basis on the public service obligation on energy costs; the amount collected in 2013; the way this money was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30350/14]

Tellus Border Project

Michael Colreavy

316. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the function of the TELLUS project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30351/14]

Water Services Provision

Michael Colreavy

317. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the function of subscribing to the UK groundwater forum; the amount this costs the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30352/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael Colreavy

318. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason his Department provides funding to Bytel; the costs each year since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30353/14]

Appointments to State Boards

Michael Colreavy

114. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way positions to the board of Bord na Móna are advertised and filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28693/14]

Irish National Petroleum Company

Michael Colreavy

276. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the functions of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation; the funding it receives from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28289/14]

Natural Gas Grid

Michael Colreavy

287. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of Irish households that have access to the gas network; the way this compares to the European average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28447/14]

Petroleum and Gas Exploration

Michael Colreavy

125. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the potential tax returns to the State if the proposed changes to future oil and gas contracts were applied to existing contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27631/14]

Offshore Exploration

Michael Colreavy

336. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the State is liable for the derelict Bantry offshore jetty; the reason there is no limit on time or amount to this liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26953/14]

Hydraulic Fracturing Policy

Michael Colreavy

2. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the British Government's plans to expand fracking operations in Britain; his views on whether fracking is being promoted at a European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24805/14]

Hydraulic Fracturing Policy

Michael Colreavy

5. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received any report on the environmental damage caused by flooding in an area in Colorado, USA where hydraulic fracturing has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24806/14]

National Postcode System Establishment

Michael Colreavy

8. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the minimum turnover requested in respect of companies tendering for the post code project; the reasons for the minimum level of turnover requested; his views on whether the minimum level of turnover would have rendered many Irish companies ineligible to quote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24783/14]

Energy Prices

Michael Colreavy

19. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department's role in tackling fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24785/14]

Offshore Exploration

Michael Colreavy

20. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there have been results from the seismic survey of Ireland's ocean floor; if these reveal any further detail regarding Ireland's oil and gas potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24786/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

109. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reasons the exporting of wind energy from Ireland to Britain was shelved; the financial arrangements that were under negotiation; his views on whether this project will be reactivated; the impact this will have on Ireland's commitment to maximising our renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19988/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael Colreavy

112. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the areas that are covered by the roll-out of fibre optic broadband to rural areas of the country under the national broadband plan; the expected time frame; the alternatives for areas not covered by the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20088/14]

Hydraulic Fracturing Policy

Michael Colreavy

113. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the communication his Department has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the extension of the hydraulic fracturing licence in the Six Counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19950/14]

Postcode Implementation

Michael Colreavy

118. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if An Post will be using the proposed new Capita postcode; if so, will the company adjust the sorting technology to use postcodes, what will this change cost and who will pay for it; whether An Post's costs are included in the Government's predicted cost of the postcode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19949/14]

Electricity Transmission Network

Michael Colreavy

119. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the panel carrying out an independent review of EirGrid pylons will meet with residents affected by these structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19953/14]

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Michael Colreavy

420. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the reason a vacancy for a hospital play specialist has not been filled at Sligo Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20237/14]

Water Meters Installation

Michael Colreavy

442. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the arrangements that will be put in place to support householders and local authorities repair internal sometimes under-floor leakages identified following installation of water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17910/14]

Health Services Provision

Michael Colreavy

659. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive west is reducing the level and frequency of day centre services in County Leitrim and withdrawing the service entirely in at least one rural location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17929/14]

Schools Amalgamation

Michael Colreavy

217. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) to be completed; and the steps that are being taken by his Department to advance that amalgamation. [15069/14]

Child Care Services Provision

Michael Colreavy

484. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) in County Leitrim has been seeking a suitable building for its preschool and after-school services for many years; and if she will engage with the Department of Education and Science regarding the possibility of these child care services moving to one of the school buildings that have been vacated following the recent opening of the new secondary school in Ballinamore. [15070/14]

Social Welfare Code

Michael Colreavy

104. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Social Protection if after a death of a relative, their next-of-kin can continue to claim their payment for a period of six weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14261/14]

Health Services

Michael Colreavy

1081. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in establishing a Cath Lab service at Sligo Regional Hospital as persons suffering heart attacks in the region must presently travel to Galway or Dublin which would dramatically reduce the opportunity for effective medical intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13451/14]

Traffic Calming Measures

Michael Colreavy

1253. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be traffic calming measures put in place where the Barrack Road, Collooney, meets the N4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13521/14]

Postcode Implementation

Michael Colreavy

4. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the awarding of the contract to oversee the introduction and maintenance of postcodes here; the number of companies that applied for the contract; the way a decision was reached to award the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11909/14]

Electricity Transmission Network

Michael Colreavy

7. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Askon report into the undergrounding of pylons will be considered by the independent review group into EirGrid's projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11910/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

8. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies that have been carried out into the uncontrollable changes in frequency by connecting large amounts of variable wind power to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11493/14]

Environmental Protection Agency Expenditure

Michael Colreavy

13. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of the Environmental Protection Agency study into hydraulic fracturing; the funding arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11496/14]

Renewable Energy Exports

Michael Colreavy

19. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had any discussions with the British Government regarding the amount it would pay for Irish renewable energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11495/14]

Fisheries Protection

Michael Colreavy

23. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if studies have been carried out into reopening inland eel fishing here; if studies have been carried out into restocking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

34. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will indicate the degree of sensitivity to which the national grid is to massive increases or decreases to supply and or demand challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11494/14]

Hospital Equipment

Michael Colreavy

521. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health when the decommissioned mammography equipment at Sligo Regional Hospital will be replaced and staffed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11677/14]

National Parks Projects

Michael Colreavy

207. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the education programme for north midlands region National Park and Wildlife Service, Ballinafad, County Sligo is being terminated while there is a considerable waiting list of schools and other participants awaiting discovery primary science maths registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/14]

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Michael Colreavy

221. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the breakdown in terms of electricity, transport and heat in respect of Ireland's renewable energy target for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10491/14]

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Michael Colreavy

222. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the infrastructure that is required for Ireland to reach its renewable energy target for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10492/14]

Energy Usage

Michael Colreavy

223. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of heat energy demand between domestic, public, commercial and industrial buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10493/14]

Energy Resources

Michael Colreavy

224. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there has been a study carried out into the potential energy production from hydroelectricity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10494/14]

Energy Resources

Michael Colreavy

225. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of energy that is currently generated from hydroelectricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10495/14]

Fisheries Protection

Michael Colreavy

226. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current planning restrictions surrounding hydro generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10496/14]

Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan Implementation

Michael Colreavy

227. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies completed into the environmental damage caused by tidal energy power systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10497/14]

Energy Resources

Michael Colreavy

228. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies completed into the different variable outputs from differing renewable energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10498/14]

Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan Implementation

Michael Colreavy

229. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of energy Ireland currently receives from tidal sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10499/14]

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Michael Colreavy

230. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the projected impact on the energy grid in terms of fossil fuel consumption if Ireland reaches its renewable targets for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10500/14]

Electoral Reform

Michael Colreavy

296. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been any further developments into the possibility of directly elected mayors; his views that this is the most democratic method of election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10971/14]

Nursing Staff Recruitment

Michael Colreavy

470. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if the recruitment embargo has adversely affected nursing staff in the emergency department of Sligo Regional Hospital; if the daily staff complement is not present on a given day the measures available to ensure that adequate nursing staff complement is maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10799/14]

Domestic Gas Leaks

Michael Colreavy

434. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policies that are in place to deal with domestic gas leaks and their reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9257/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

439. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the wind farm project in Rhode, County Offaly is in compliance with a national policy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9645/14]

Energy Usage

Michael Colreavy

442. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the megawatts of electricity that Ireland consumed in each of the years 2002-2013 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9734/14]

Maternity Services

Michael Colreavy

700. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he will allay the very real fears of persons in Sligo, Leitrim, south Donegal and west Cavan by confirming that full maternity services will continue at Sligo Regional Hospital and by confirming that the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit will continue to be used to care for newborn ill infants. [9528/14]

Harbours and Piers Maintenance

Michael Colreavy

153. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an application for a licence to allow Sligo County Council to begin dredging work at Sligo Port will be issued as dredging is needed at two jetties and for a turning circle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8623/14]

Agriculture Scheme Appeals

Michael Colreavy

635. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite an appeal hearing in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8005/14]

Hospital Equipment

Michael Colreavy

736. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious risk posed to cardiac patients due to the lack of a catheterisation laboratory in Sligo Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/14]

Mental Health Services Provision

Michael Colreavy

752. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the closing of Raheen Day Centre in Sligo town; if the closure of the centre will be in line with the Health Service Executive policy document A Vision for Change which promotes the provision of such community services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.' [8137/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

342. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the average wind speed for the proposed development site of wind turbines in the midlands regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/14]

Energy Prices

Michael Colreavy

344. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the average cost of domestic electricity bills and the average cost of domestic gas bills for each year from 2007 to 2013, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6244/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

345. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of Europe's wind energy potential Ireland possesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6297/14]

Renewable Energy Exports

Michael Colreavy

346. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the memorandum of understanding signed between his Department and the British Government regarding the export of renewable energy from Ireland is a legally binding document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6298/14]

Electricity Generation

Michael Colreavy

347. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is any legal requirement for companies supplying energy to Irish consumers to source a percentage of their energy from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/14]

Broadband Service Speeds

Michael Colreavy

349. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the legislation that has been introduced to set a minimum standard for broadband speed access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6407/14]

Energy Usage

Michael Colreavy

99. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of electricity consumed in Ireland that was generated from renewable sources since 2007; if he will provide a breakdown of these sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5731/14]

Energy Usage

Michael Colreavy

100. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the highest percentage use of renewable energy sources on any given day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5732/14]

Green Paper on Energy Publication

Michael Colreavy

101. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects his Green Paper on energy to be published; if he is willing to take submissions on this paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5733/14]

Flood Prevention Measures

Michael Colreavy

254. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of money spent on flood defences in tabular form, by county in the years 2002-2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

408. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the energy produced by the proposed wind turbines in the midlands can be used in the Irish grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5588/14]

Hospitals Funding

Michael Colreavy

697. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide separate breakdowns in tabular form of all moneys allocated to Sligo Regional Hospital from 2007 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5444/14]

Hospitals Funding

Michael Colreavy

698. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the level of funding to Sligo Regional Hospital in 2014; the way it compares with 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5445/14]

Hospital Staff Data

Michael Colreavy

699. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of staff numbers employed in Sligo Regional Hospital from 2007 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5446/14]

Hospital Staff Data

Michael Colreavy

700. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of all money spent on agency staff at Sligo Regional Hospital from 2007 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5447/14]

Hospitals Funding

Michael Colreavy

701. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the public money used by Sligo Regional Hospital or his Department to treat patients in private hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5448/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael Colreavy

702. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a separate breakdown of inpatient and outpatient waiting times across all specialties at Sligo Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5449/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael Colreavy

703. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the number of elective procedures and surgeries cancelled at Sligo Regional Hospital from 2007 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5450/14]

Renewable Energy Exports

Michael Colreavy

2. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if discussions have begun with the relevant authorities as to the amount Ireland would receive from the export of energy from renewable sources following the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Britain; if so the amount they expect to receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4552/14]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

5. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the effect recent reports that the EU will reduce renewable energy targets post 2020 will have on the development of wind turbines and the extension of pylons here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4553/14]

Electricity Transmission Network

Michael Colreavy

7. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies that have been carried out into the possibilities of undergrounding of electricity pylons here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4295/14]

Internet Safety

Michael Colreavy

14. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of the first meeting of the Internet Content Advisory Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4296/14]

Energy Usage

Michael Colreavy

16. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Ireland's position in respect of ranking in a list of energy efficient countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4294/14]

Fisheries Protection

Michael Colreavy

19. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there will be a restocking of eels in rivers and lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4297/14]

Broadband Service Speeds

Michael Colreavy

24. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current average broadband upload and download speed for the State; if he will provide the average upload and download speed by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4293/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

Michael Colreavy

470. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current status of the Tubbercurry-Strandhill-Grange bundled sewerage schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2789/14]

Gas Exploration Licences

Michael Colreavy

439. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the consultation there has been between authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland regarding plans for test drilling by a company (details supplied) in County Fermanagh, which is reportedly due to begin in the next few weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55210/13]

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Michael Colreavy

458. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he envisages that the electricity system will be capable of utilising all of the electricity generated on a daily basis from renewable sources. [1263/14]

Electricity Transmission Network

Michael Colreavy

459. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide evidence that placing electricity pylons underground will add 3% per annum for 50 years to domestic electricity bills. [1270/14]

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Michael Colreavy

465. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current storage capacity within the electricity grid; and the targets that have been set to increase same in order to take full advantage of electricity generated from renewable sources. [1337/14]

Renewable Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

472. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of proceeding with the export of wind-generated electricity as opposed to utilising new capacity to contribute to domestic requirements. [1581/14]

Electricity Transmission Network

Michael Colreavy

475. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reports that EirGrid is to carry out a survey with the view to having a powerline between this country and France in order to export electricity generated from wind; and his views that this would represent the best use of our renewable energy resources [1616/14]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Michael Colreavy

479. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount his Department has spent on consultants since March 2011; and the specific projects they were engaged to report upon. [1786/14]

Consultancy Contracts

Michael Colreavy

480. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department engaged private consultants to report on the proposed export of wind generated electricity to Britain; and if so the names of the consultants; and the amount they were paid. [1788/14]

School Inspection Reports

Michael Colreavy

239. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way a whole school evaluation could have been carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo without reference to the pupil or parents of the pupil who has been taught at home for nearly four years because of unresolved difficulties between the school principal or management and the pupil. [54213/13]

Petroleum and Gas Exploration

Michael Colreavy

350. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the authorisations that are in effect for onshore petroleum exploration. [53711/13]

Petroleum and Gas Exploration

Michael Colreavy

351. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has undertaken to grant a company (details supplied) first option on the licensed area previously held; if so, when this decision was made; and if the company has not secured an option, as claimed, if he will request it to remove this information from its website, or if he will pass the information on to the relevant Department and authorities to do so. [53735/13]

Wind Energy Generation

Michael Colreavy

359. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the possible involvement of local community groups in running wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54177/13]