|
As the Dáil rose for summer recess, Minister for Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan announced that, of
the 13 Acts that have been passed during this Dáil session,
5 emanated from his Department.
Over one-third of all Acts passed in this legislative session
were stewarded through the Oireachtas by Minister Ryan.
“This is good work which demonstrates the important overall
and strategic role that my Department has to play,” said Minister
Ryan. “These are meaningful pieces of legislation that deliver
on a number of Programme for Government provisions. They have
tangible effects for individuals and set the economy on the
correct strategic path for the future."
The Biofuels Obligation compels fuel providers to include
at least 4% of their fuel mix for biofuels. This is the right
policy to encourage the use of renewables in our transport
fleet and to protect a fuel supply in the event of an oil
shock.
The Carbon Windfall Levy claims back ‘windfall profits’
from electricity generators, securing over €70 million per
year, which will be used to lower electricity costs for business
to protect jobs.
The Communications Regulations Amendment Act includes a number
of important measures for the Irish communications consumer
and industry. The Premium Rate Services provisions will mean
hefty fines of up to €250,000 for any service provider found
to be deliberately misleading or scamming consumers. This
Act also includes measures to open up our national roads for
ducting to be installed to increase broadband services throughout
the country. This is an important first step in the use of
state assets for broadband.
The Petroleum Safety Act confers responsibility on the independent
Commission for Energy Regulation for the safety of oil and
gas exploration in Ireland.
The Inland Fisheries Act consolidates our governance of Inland
Fisheries in Ireland and delivers on a Bord Snip commitment
to rationalise the public service.
Minister Ryan commended the officials in his Department for
their work on this legislation and said he is committed to
maintaining this level of productivity when the Dáil resumes
in September.
“We are quick to blame the Oireachtas or the public service
for inaction. The Acts we have put through this legislative
session depended on Dáil and Seanad members and cross-Government
cooperation.
“Government is working to get Irish people back to work.
The new economy will be digital and green and will use our
natural resources properly. Every Act signed into law makes
a difference and stays on the statute books for some time.
“I am proud of this small indication of my work in Government
thus far. The autumn will see further work in energy, communications
and natural resources to help create the new economy. I look
forward to the challenge.”
The Bills that have been signed into law are -
- Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions)
Act 2010
- Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Carbon Revenue Levy)
Act 2010
- Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic
Communications Infrastructure) Act 2010
- Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Act 2010
- Inland Fisheries Act 2010
|
