“We are delivering in Government”
Biofuels in all our cars, carbon levy on electricity generators, new measures to protect consumers from premium rate fraud, new safety regime for oil and gas exploration and consolidation of inland fisheries
Dublin, 9 July 2010
Of the 13 Acts that have been passed during this Dáil session, 5 emanated from my Department.
“This is good work which demonstrates the important overall and strategic role that my Department has to play. 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 a 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.
The officials in his Department have worked hard on this legislation and I am 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”.
ENDS
Note to editors:
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
