At the announcement of the Irish Film channel today, Communications Minister Eamon Ryan outlined how recent developments in digital broadcasting technology will add a new dimension to public service channels.
"This new Film Channel has been made possible by the advent of digital technology, which means that it is now possible to broadcast up to ten times the number of digital channels over the same amount of spectrum currently required to carry a single analogue channel. This opens up many exciting new possibilities such as the Irish Film channel and Dail TV which will provide a much more comprehensive service to Irish viewers", Minister Ryan said.
The Irish Film channel, which is expected to be available to digital viewers by the end of next year, will air seven days a week and will broadcast three films a day, of Irish and international origin.
"We have made a number of changes as a result of the Broadcasting Bill, and the Irish Film Channel will be a significant development. It will provide viewers with access to a wide range of both home produced and international cinema, whilst at the same time providing a new avenue for our filmmakers to deliver their work to a wider audience. I am confident that by working in conjunction with the Irish Film Board, the service will be a valuable and important asset for the Irish audience."

New York, 14 May 2008

Thank you Mr Chairman. I want to associate myself at the outset with what Minister Jarc from Slovenia has said on behalf of the European Union. I also welcome the remarks of the Secretary General.

There are human stories behind all of our discussions here, behind all of the reports to this meeting. That's what should prompt us to action and to strengthening our efforts to achieve sustainable development.

The current world food crisis is a stark reminder of this. It is also a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change will be felt by the world's most vulnerable peoples. An exceptional response from the international community is required and I welcome the establishment by the Secretary General of a special Task Force to tackle this crisis. Many Governments, including my own, have provided additional support to the World Food Programme to meet short-term needs. In the words of the Executive Director of the WFP, this crisis is a test case for the UN System as a whole to act in a coherent and effective manner.

However the longer-term issue of food security can only be addressed by a comprehensive series of actions at local, national and global levels. These actions must be designed to increase productivity and to enhance rural livelihoods. We must also ensure that our efforts to tackle climate change do not threaten our work to ensure food security.

Many views have been offered during the discussions at this session in the fuel or food debate. This debate must add momentum for investment in the development of second generation biofuels which will not use food sources as feedstock. In the European Union we are working urgently to develop sustainability criteria for biofuels. Such criteria will allow us to meet our climate change challenges and to ensure that we are not putting food security and environmental sustainability at risk.

Addressing these challenges will particularly benefit the world's rural populations. Three quarters of humanity live in rural areas and their livelihoods depend on agriculture. Rural development needs must be integrated into national plans and programmes. Such integration can confirm Governments' commitment to ensuring the economic and social wellbeing of rural communities. Integration is an essential feature of good governance for sustainable development.
Good governance for sustainable development must also include sound economic management which leads to growth rather than recession, and which secures stability rather than soaring inflation. It includes protection of basic human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and meaningful democracy. These are issues of principle, rather than of personality; issues which lay the foundations of justice and of opportunity for ordinary people. These issues are important for the Irish Government both nationally and in our development programme.

Mr. Chairman, We're particularly reminded in this cycle of the importance of the global community fully engaging in relation to the needs of African countries. The needs of Small Island Development States too have been rightly highlighted in this weeks review of implementation of the Mauritius Strategy.

Ireland today is the sixth largest per capita donor of development assistance in the world. We have committed to reaching the UN target of spending 0.7% of Gross National Product on ODA by 2012 and we are well on the way to reaching that target. Approximately 80% of Ireland's ODA is devoted to African countries. Let me express my condolences to the people of China and Myanmar on the terrible tradgies that have occurred in those countries recently.

Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, it is our responsibility to identify and pursue the opportunities that can arise from considering the themes for this CSD in an integrated way. It is our responsibility as Governments to respond to peoples' needs as voiced by our electorates and by the civil society that is so well represented in the work of this Commission. I look forward indeed to tomorrow's engagement with major groups and to further discussions in the coming days in preparation for next year's policy making session.

Thank you.

The Broadcasting Bill will significantly change the broadcasting landscape in Ireland. A detailed and comprehensive legislative proposal, the Bill seeks to deal with virtually all aspects of regulation and provision of broadcasting in Ireland. The Bill represents a consolidation of almost 50 years of Irish broadcasting legislation and repeals key Acts that date from 1960.

Commenting on the new legislation, Minister Ryan said, "This is a modernising Bill designed to meet the needs of Irish broadcasting as we enter a new era of media and regulation. In essence, the Bill aims to level the playing field of the broadcasting market in Ireland and place greater emphasis on the needs of viewers and listeners."

The Bill was approved by Government following a wide-ranging and informed debate, much of which was carried out through the e-Consultation process. It is the first such legislation to undergo such widespread consultation and rigorous scrutiny prior to its introduction. "Such scrutiny and consultation will hopefully facilitate the more timely passage of the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas," the Minister said.

The Bill provides for the establishment of a single content regulator, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, which will assume the roles currently held by the BCI and the BCC, as well as a range of new functions. These new functions primarily relate to the oversight of public service broadcasters.

The Bill also amends legislation regarding public service broadcasters and the allocation of public funding. It modernises and revises the legislation relating to RTÉ and TG4 and sets up the framework for two new public service broadcasters – an Irish Film Channel and Oireachtas channel.

The Bill introduces a number of proposals to protect the interests of viewers and listeners. This includes a ‘right of reply’ mechanism whereby individuals who feel their reputations have been damaged may have this corrected in a further broadcast. There is also provision for the establishment by RTÉ and TG4 of Audience Councils to represent the views of listeners and viewers.

The Bill proposes some new approaches in relation to codes and rules for broadcasting in Ireland, in particular relating to food advertising aimed at children. "This is something which I have long advocated and is a welcome development," said the Minister. Other pertinent proposals relate to the modernisation of radio licences including the option of ‘fast-tracked’ applications, licence enforcement, legal definitions regarding TV licence and contract awards.

A number of appointments to the boards of the new Authority, RTÉ and TG4 will be made following the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee dealing with broadcasting matters. "I am pleased", the to grant to my parliamentary colleagues from all sides the responsibility of appointments to such important boards. This marks a new departure in the power and roles of the legislature and the executive in Ireland."

Minister Ryan concluded: "My key focus was to ensure the broadcasting sector delivers on the needs and wants of the viewer and listener. For this to occur we need an appropriate and fair regulatory structure, which mandates the Authority to work with everyone in the sector to achieve this. I am confident this Bill represents a balanced, innovative and modernising approach to broadcasting in Ireland and that it will serve our needs for many years to come."

The rezoning will enable development of yet another shopping mall against the wishes of the County Manager and An Board Pleanála.

Branding the decision as "speculative, developer-led rezoning" Cllr McDermott said: "This decision defies logic. The last thing the Saggart / Citywest area needs is more shops. The Citywest Shopping Centre was opened only last September and has plenty of vacant retail space. Saggart Village also has thousands of square feet of retail space available. This variation of the County Development Plan is uncalled for and not good for the area."

There was not a single submission supporting the rezoning during the public consultation. The applicant has not provided any research showing a need for another retail outlet. This decision puts at risk the viability and vitality of existing shopkeepers in Saggart.

"I can see no justification for the decision of my fellow Councillors to speculatively rezone Green Belt land to satisfy the whims of a developer," concluded Cllr McDermott.

13 councillors voted for the variation, 7 against and three were absent. The three Fine Gael councillors who were present declined to vote.

The report considered a number of key sectors including agriculture, forestry, infastructure development, human health and climate change. By drawing a comparison between the value of ecosystem services provided by biodiversity and the cost of implementing biodiversity protection policies, the authors established a marginal value of biodiversity to Ireland of at least €2.6 billion per annum.

The report has estimated that the value of the humble earthworm to Ireland to be in the region of €700 million per annum for the services it provides in removing dead matter and releasing nutrients back to the soil. Dr Bullock emphasised that the value of €2.6 billion suggested by the report was a conservative estimate and that the true value was likely to be much higher if you considered other areas such as the benefits to human health.

Minister Gormley welcomed the publication of the report saying: "Most of us recognise the need to protect our native wildlife for its intrinsic value and as something to be preserved for future generations. However, this report presents a compelling case to strengthen policies for the protection of biodiversity for economic reasons and highlights far reaching social, as well as financial benefits, for our society.

"In recent years, many of Ireland's species and habitats have been endangered by increased development and inadequate policies across a range of economic sectors. Our biodiversity now faces increased threats from climate change and other threats such as the introduction of non-native invasive species. We must develop and implement appropriate policies to meet this challenge."

The Minister added that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would be preparing a revised Biodiversity Strategy for Ireland during 2008 and this new report highlights the need for a strong engagement from both the public and private sectors.

Minister Gormley said: "The decision showed real leadership and will prove a major boost to efforts to raise awareness of the most urgent problem facing humanity.

"The GAA is a major force in every parish in the country. Their vision and leadership back in the recession of the 1980s delivered what is now one of the best stadiums in Europe and the envy of all other codes.

"Now they are taking practical steps to show further vision and leadership in the modern Ireland. I have no doubt the benefits of this latest GAA initiative will be reaped in the coming years."

Minister Gormley, who is responsible for government climate change policy, said he was pleased that the ESB is to take an active role in the project, having already outlined a strategy to make itself one of the greenest and environmentally friendly energy utilities in the EU over the coming decade.

The Minister also welcomed the GAA's move to set up a website to take in suggestions from fans and Croke Park patrons. He said this would harness people's goodwill in a very practical way.

Cllr Noonan said: “The decision announced today by Diageo Ireland to cease brewing at St Francis Abbey Brewery after three hundred years of brewing on the famous site has shocked the people of Kilkenny. While the decision is not entirely surprising, given the current global challenges facing the industry and the company’s plans to consolidate its activities in Ireland, it is nonetheless a very difficult day for the 93 employees of the brewery and their families’

“It is equally difficult for the people of Kilkenny to come to terms with the fact that in a few years time, a proud history of brewing will come to an end. St Francis Abbey Brewery is as intrinsic to Kilkenny as St James’s Gate Brewery is to Dublin; its cultural and social value to our city cannot be underestimated’.

“It is now incumbent on all stakeholders, including public representatives from all parties to work together to deliver alternative employment opportunities for employees and to work with Diageo to develop a sustainable plan for the site that recognises the history and heritage of the area, while offering tourism potential to maintain the vibrancy of Kilkenny’s historic core’.

“I would also like to see some element of brewing, perhaps a micro brewery and an interpretative centre based on the brewing tradition at St Francis Abbey Brewery to be developed in conjunction with Diageo. This would also have the potential to offer employment opportunities for some of the employees’.

Cllr Noonan called on Junior Minister for Trade and Commerce, John McGuinness to engage with relevant State agencies with a view to attracting sustainable enterprise and employment for Kilkenny, which has suffered from a lack of inward investment in recent decades, compared with other counties in the South East.

“We have a five year run in time to come to terms with Diageo’s decision. We must use this time wisely for the betterment of the employees, their families and all the people of Kilkenny,” concluded Cllr Noonan.

Deputy White, who represents Carlow / Kilkenny said: "I am disappointed and saddened at today's news. Brewing has been taking place in Kilkenny for over 300 years and the Diageo owned brewery, famous for the production of Smithwicks, is part of the city's heritage and history.

"With almost 150 people employed at the plant, the job losses are a significant blow to the city. I can only hope that the severance packages negotiated and the career training on offer will be as attractive as possible.

"It is regrettable that the critical role St. Francis' Abbey Brewery has played in the success of Diageo's brands will now cease. I hope that Diageo will initiate tangible and targeted investment to explore the future opportunities for the development and rejuvenation of the site. Today however, is a day to focus on the employees who have given such loyal service to ensure the success of the Diageo's brands and to the economic wealth of the Marble City. Their needs and up-skilling must now be a priority."

As a result of these provisions, ComReg can now seek financial sanction by way of an application to the High Court, should the postal service operator (An Post) fail to comply with one of its directions. This will be most applicable in cases where delivery targets are not met and in instances of non-compliance with a direction relating to those targets.

Minister Ryan said: "These new regulations will afford ComReg broad-ranging powers necessary for the effective regulation of the sector which will enhance the quality of the Irish postal service to that of an international standard.

"I appreciate the recent improvement in the quality of service provided by An Post, and the hard work and commitment of all at the company in achieving this. However, the current 77% level of service for next day delivery of mail still falls significantly short of the 94% target set by the Regulator.

"A superior postal service will have a significant role to play in Ireland’s emergence as a knowledge economy. Providing Irish consumers with access to a reliable, efficient postal service, similar to those enjoyed by consumers elsewhere in the European Union, will be central to this development.

"There is no doubt that these regulations will be vital in allowing the Regulator to ensure the delivery of a high-standard, consistently dependable, quality postal service. What's more, I am also confident that the management and staff of An Post are equally committed to this objective, and will strive to meet targets to guarantee a first-class postal service in Ireland."

Referring to recent comments Deputy Noonan made to the Limerick Chronicle, in which he called for the Green Routes Plan to be deferred for at least two years, Trish Forde-Brennan said: “I am disappointed at the lack of concern shown by Deputy Noonan in making the city and its environs more accessible and free-flowing. There seems to be a lack of joined-up thinking when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and finding alternative transport options for the city and suburbs.

“In the article Michael Noonan calls for the City Council’s Green Routes Plan to be deferred and perhaps even shelved. He seems to imply that the Green Routes Plan is unnecessary because once the new tunnel is open it will take extra cars. He even asks if bus lanes are actually necessary.

“While I sympathise with residents and businesses based in Mulgrave St. and O’Connell Avenue who fear a loss of kerb-side parking, the reality must be faced that a sustainable public transport infrastructure is vital to the future transport needs of our city.

“As oil becomes more expensive, every single one of us will be looking for ways to reduce the cost of travelling. The Green Party prioritises public transport because it is cheaper, more efficient, reduces carbon emissions and traffic problems. I applaud both Limerick City and County Authorities for recognising the need to plan and create alternative options for Limerick. Following Deputy Noonan’s comments I have to say, on your bike, Mike and if you won’t, don’t stop others!”

Referring to recent comments Deputy Noonan made to the Limerick Chronicle, in which he called for the Green Routes Plan to be deferred for at least two years, Trish Forde-Brennan said: “I am disappointed at the lack of concern shown by Deputy Noonan in making the city and its environs more accessible and free-flowing. There seems to be a lack of joined-up thinking when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and finding alternative transport options for the city and suburbs.

“In the article Michael Noonan calls for the City Council’s Green Routes Plan to be deferred and perhaps even shelved. He seems to imply that the Green Routes Plan is unnecessary because once the new tunnel is open it will take extra cars. He even asks if bus lanes are actually necessary.

“While I sympathise with residents and businesses based in Mulgrave St. and O’Connell Avenue who fear a loss of kerb-side parking, the reality must be faced that a sustainable public transport infrastructure is vital to the future transport needs of our city.

“As oil becomes more expensive, every single one of us will be looking for ways to reduce the cost of travelling. The Green Party prioritises public transport because it is cheaper, more efficient, reduces carbon emissions and traffic problems. I applaud both Limerick City and County Authorities for recognising the need to plan and create alternative options for Limerick. Following Deputy Noonan’s comments I have to say, on your bike, Mike and if you won’t, don’t stop others!”

Cllr McDermott said: "Bus travel is the fastest, cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to relieve traffic congestion in South Dublin County. Every motorist knows how the traffic simply melts away during school holidays.

"I believe that providing free bus tickets to schoolchildren will get them into the habit of using buses early in life. It will liberate parents from the school run and will solve the morning rush hour congestion. We will also save millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year."

Cllr McDermott has called on South Dublin County Manager Joe Horan to examine the free bus proposal. "I believe a simple change in the way developers pay rates could fund this scheme," said Cllr McDermott. "I am proposing that legislation is introduced to make commercial development sites liable for rates as soon as they receive planning permission. Currently we wait years until the finished developments have been sold and occupied. This measure will end long term land speculation in our County and encourage developers to build promptly what they say they are going to build."

Cllr. McDermott has asked the County Manager to estimate how much extra the new rates will raise to fund the environment friendly initiative.

"The additional rates paid will pay for the bus tickets for our children. I believe this is fair and reasonable and will prevent developers sitting on land banks and leaving our communities short of shops, sports centres and indeed, schools themselves," concluded Cllr McDermott.

The Minister was pleased to note that the results for the 2007 bathing season show that the quality of bathing water in Ireland is very good, with 97% of bathing areas complying with EU mandatory standards and 80% complying with (stricter) guide standards.

The Minister stated: "This Government has been fully committed to maintaining and improving the high standards of our bathing waters. On the 20th March this year, I introduced new bathing water quality regulations to transpose the new EU Bathing Water Directive into National Law. The new regulations give a stronger focus to the protection of public health and on the management of bathing waters."

Minister Gormley said he is confident that the quality of bathing waters and surface waters generally, will be improved further by significant measures taken during the lifetime of this Government, such as the substantial investment in the Water Services Investment Programme under the National Development Plan and implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

"The new standards for bacteria levels are strict. The standards set for a classification of 'excellent' are roughly twice as stringent as the current 'guide values' which are used, for example, as a basis for the award of Blue Flags.

"The timetable for compliance with the new standards is 2015, which is in line with the Water Framework Directive. Although 127 out of our 131 designated bathing areas met the EU mandatory standard, the Minister is disappointed that four bathing areas, did not meet this standard. Whilst the number of bathing areas failing to meet the mandatory standard has remained the same as last year, it is still a disappointment when bathing areas are non-compliant."

The Minister said he welcomes the efforts of the Office of the Environmental Enforcement in addressing the previous year's non-compliant bathing waters and that he looks forward to the continuation of these efforts.

Deputy White has written to Government ministers to seek funding to set up 'get into reading' schemes at hospitals, schools and prisons.

Deputy White said: "Having heard of and researched similar reading groups in Britain, I have asked various Government ministers to provide for similar reading groups for the more marginalised in Ireland. It would not cost much for hospitals, prisons, schools or local libraries to facilitate weekly group meetings, where people who suffer health problems or exclusion can come together to share in the joy of reading. Such activity can give people structure to their day or week, enhance people's self-esteem and give them a chance to interact."

In letters to the Ministers for the Environment, Justice, Health, Education, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs, as well as the Minister of State for Integration, Deputy White urged the Government to look at a cross-governmental approach to providing reading groups, based on the projects in Britain.

"For centuries people have linked an exposure to literature with mental and physical well being. In ancient Greece hospitals and health sanctuaries were often situated next to theatres. Dramatic performances were deemed part of the cure. I would like to see certain Government departments bring literature to the marginalised, so that they can be inspired and uplifted. Such investment would see a huge return in social capital," said Deputy White.

The 'get into reading' scheme proposes to facilitate and organise reading groups in which people gather to read a novel for an hour a week, until they have completed the novel. Similar projects in the UK take referrals from GPs, mental health graduate workers, counsellors and psychotherapists, and link in with mental and physical health programmes. Many participants have reported increased well-being, self-confidence and decreased doctor visits.

Cllr Maher has tabled the motion for next Monday's Council meeting and says the Dame Street venue offers the perfect location for civil marriage ceremonies.

Cllr Maher said: "The City Hall and Council Chamber make for a great wedding venue and would bring Dublin into line with other European cities where couples regularly get married in their local town or city hall.

"The Chamber would sit up to 70 to 80 guests and the Rotunda downstairs would be an excellent backdrop for wedding photographs. City Hall is very popular for a large number of functions throughout the year, and I see no reason why the chamber could not be available for those couples who would like to have a city centre wedding ceremony."

Recently a Green Party motion was passed by Fingal County Council to allow marriage ceremonies in Swords County Hall. Since then there has been steady interest from locals who want to book an alternative to a church of registry office ceremony.

Cllr Maher said: "Dublin City Council should follow Fingal County Council's excellent example, particularly in an age of multi-ethnicity in our city. I look forward to next Monday's debate and hope we can add this beautiful building to the choice of wedding locations for Dublin couples."

The Minister said: “This money will be used by World Food Programme (WFP) to provide food to the hungry poor in Africa and elsewhere."

World food prices have risen by 45 per cent in the last nine months. Food importing countries have seen their financial costs rise by 56 per cent as there are serious global shortages of rice, wheat and maize. The increase in food prices is hitting the hungry the hardest. 162 million people are living on less than $0.50 a day and are least able to cope. More than half the world’s population lives in low-income, food-deficit countries that are unable to produce or import enough food to feed their people.

The World Food Programme, which is the UN agency responsible for the provision of food aid, are fighting hunger across the globe, an ongoing battle which has been made harder by the recent increases in food prices across the world. "We are aware of the current situation regarding rising food prices which are affecting millions of people – hitting hardest those living in poverty. It is because of this that we will provide Ireland’s core contribution to the WFP in cash. Cash is the most flexible resource and it gives WFP complete discretion to direct food aid where it is most needed," said Minister Sargent.

The funding will be used to bring food aid as a response to natural and man-made emergencies, to help bring people from crisis to recovery and in support of logistics to speed up the delivery of aid.

In addition to the core funding provided by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs, responds to requests for funding for specific WFP emergency appeals. This combined approach makes Ireland's contributions to WFP especially useful to the organisation. All Irish funding to WFP is in the form of untied cash grants.

Minister Sargent emphasised the fact that in the last seven years, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has more than doubled its contributions to WFP. "In 2000, we contributed just under €3.2 million. This year our contribution so far has reached almost €10 million.”

Minister Gormley said: “I am indebted to the group for their professionalism and hard work in producing their final report. The report recommendations which I wholeheartedly endorse deal with both the immediate security of the site and its ongoing protection but also with its ongoing research potential. The latter is again indicative of the role I see Irish archaeology playing in terms of the dissemination of knowledge to as wide an audience as possible both within specialist research and academic circles but also, and just as importantly, in the general public domain.

"I initiated the Department’s review of archaeological policy and practice late last year on just such a basis and the Woodstown report reinforces the importance of this principle to my mind. The report is another important stepping stone in the advancement of the south eastern region in built heritage terms and one on which I am confident will successfully be taken forward again on a co-operative basis. I am making the report publicly available on the Department’s new dedicated archaeological website www.archaeology.ie."

The working group was established by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2005 following the discovery of the Woodstown site during routine archaeological investigations ahead of the construction of the N25 Waterford City-Bypass in 2003. The group includes the Director of the National Museum, Dr. Pat Wallace, as well as representatives from Waterford City and County Councils, the Heritage Council, the National Roads Authority and the Department’s Chief Archaeologist, Brian Duffy.

An interim report by the working group was previously approved by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in June 2006. That report recommended the carrying out of a supplementary research project to more firmly establish the nature, extent and significance of the Woodstown site. The final report incorporates this supplementary project and confirms that the site dates from the Viking Period of the 9th to 10th centuries and was a major trading and manufacturing centre.

There are no upstanding remains at the national monument site which borders the River Suir at Woodstown and which is enclosed by two contiguous D shaped ditch and bank defences. Research to date concludes that the site was occupied by a distinctive Scandinavian community in the 9th and 10th centuries. This settlement existed for a considerable amount of time and involved at least several phases of activity, settlement or resettlement. The Woodstown settlement, though armed and with some military aspects, appears to have been a significant centre for manufacturing and trade. Significant quantities of lead weights, silver and rotary sharpening stones as well as the discovery of one of the best furnished Viking graves ever found in Ireland containing a sword and silver mark the site as being a major trading and manufacturing centres of Scandinavian origin on the south-east coast of Ireland.

The Minister agreed with the working group’s recommendation that the site, presently in private ownership, should be placed on the statutory Record of Historic Monuments affording it protection under the National Monuments Acts. Any works proposed at the site would thus require two months prior written notice being made to the Minister. Discussions will be held with the site’s owner to ensure its ongoing protection but as the site is not considered to be under imminent threat the making of a preservation order is not considered necessary at this time by the Minister.

Other site protection and security recommendations endorsed by Minister Gormley in the shorter term include discussions with the private landowner with a view to agreeing an appropriate conservation plan, the initiation of a survey by the Office of Public Works on the adequacy of site fencing, continued site inspection and the erection of NMS staff appropriate public signage at the site now considered to be a national monument.

In terms of the site’s research and archaeological investigation in the medium to longer term the report recommends the development of a multi-disciplinary research agenda for the site, the holding of an international conference in Waterford to publish the results of the research to date on Woodstown, the production of a public information booklet and the pursuance of educational aspects of the site.

Though there are no archaeological remains visible its full excavation is not recommended by the Working Group and as such the site is being preserved in situ. Moreover, the working group does not recommend the development of any intrusive heritage tourism related measures such as the building of a visitor centre in the short to medium term as further aspects of the site may be unlocked by subsequent targetted research initiatives. However, there may be scope at some stage in the future for the public to view research archaeologists working on-site possibly from the tourist railway running alongside the site.

Minister Gormley said: “I concur with the working group that the Woodstown site is of major national and international significance. It is considered by the experts to be one of the most productive sites of early medieval date ever discovered in Ireland and may well shed light on the earliest Irish urbanisation and on the origins of our towns. I hope this site will over time open further the window of knowledge onto Viking Age Ireland."

Minister John Gormley addressed the Greener Ballymun Conference in Civic Offices, Ballymun today as part of the celebrations to mark the 10th Anniversary of Ballymun Regeneration.

Speaking at the conference Minister Gormley said: "It is fitting that a conference such as this one takes place here in Ballymun as you have been leading the way in terms of communities, changing their behaviour and taking on initiatives to enhance and protect the environment.

"Partnership is key and I am delighted to see community groups, neighbourhood councils, residents, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., Dublin City Council and Global Action Plan (GAP) all working together. You are a shining example to other communities across Ireland."

The Minister said that he had established a biodiversity fund for capital projects to support site conservation and management for the enhancement of biodiversity at local level. He congratulated Ballymun Regeneration on taking the initiative in preparing the Ballymun Biodiversity Action Plan and said that it is vital that we increase these efforts at all levels of society.

He spoke about the significant achievements which have been made in the last decade since the publication of the Masterplan for the new Ballymunin March 1998. "It is worth noting that prior to the regeneration programme, 90% of the traffic on the Main Street was passing through. Ten years on, Ballymun is moving from being a 'through route' to a destination in its own right. The achievements to date provide the basis for ensuring that the residents and businesses in the area can grasp the opportunities denied to previous generations, yielding a strong, vibrant and, ultimately, sustainable Ballymun for the 21st century," he said.

These changes will be brought about through the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill. Minister Ryan announced the proposed measures at the launch of a new website – www.tvlicence.ie, which will allow Irish businesses and householders to purchase a television licence online. This service has been developed by An Post.

Minister Ryan said: "My overall aim is to dispel a negative view surrounding TV licensing in Ireland. This new service makes buying a TV licence easier and is a more cost-effective method of collection. I commend An Post for the provision of this progressive payment option.

"I am keen to see an efficient and effective licence fee collection system in Ireland that reduces the amounts spent on collection and concentrates on maximising the funding available for engaging and entertaining television and radio programmes. To this end, I will be introducing measures to revamp the current licence regime."

Changes proposed in the Bill include:

An alternative to court proceedings through the introduction of a fixed penalty payment

Where it proposes to take a prosecution, the collection agent can issue the person in question with a fixed payment notice. Individuals will be given the option of paying a fine (capped at one third the value of the licence fee i.e. €53) along with proof of purchase of a licence within 21 days. "This measure," says Minister Ryan, "will provide a proportionate alternative to prosecution. It is designed to increase compliance, avoid unnecessary court appearances and reduce the workload of the courts. In this way, the vast majority of people who pay their television licence will not have the burden of paying for others."

A separate regime for televisions held at commercial premises

Currently, a 100 bed hotel with 100 television sets pays the same amount as a B&B with 4 television sets. A small pub pays the same licence fee as a large sports pub with multiple television set. The Bill proposes that a separate regime for such business activities be set, in line with other European countries.

Exemption for certain classes of electronic devices

A television licence will be required for all devices capable of receiving a television signal. The Minister will have the power, however, to exempt certain devices. It is not envisaged that devices other than a television will require a licence at this stage.

The updating of existing fines for non-compliance in line with inflation

Fines for not holding a television licence were set in 1988 and have not been updated since then. For a first offence, the fine (upon conviction) will increase from €635 to €1000. For a second offence, fines will increase from €1,270 to €2,000.

"Television licensing is necessary for the maintenance and development of quality public service broadcasting. These changes make it easier for the individual to buy a licence, allow people to avoid the courts while ensuring significant fines for persistent evasion. I am confident this is the right approach that will ensure greater compliance at less cost to the State,"concluded Minister Ryan.

Green Party Deputy Leader Mary White TD marked World Alzheimer’s day today with a Tea Party in Leinster House. Green Party Health spokesperson Senator Deirdre de Burca will host a Tea Party in her constituency office in Bray tomorrow. The Big Brew Tea Party, organised in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, aims to highlight Alzheimer’s disease in Ireland and the thousands of families it affects.

Deputy White said: “Alzheimer’s affects thousands of people in Ireland with devastating consequences for the patient and the family. However medical research is improving all the time and in tandem with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, care and support is available. I would like World Alzheimer's Day to be a time of reflection and support for those suffering with Alzheimer’s and for their carers, who may find it difficult to cope.”

Senator de Burca said: “It is estimated that 40,000 people and 50,000 carers are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in Ireland. Dementia can affect a person’s life expectancy and is the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 65 and over. Most people know somebody who has been affected by the disease and I expect a strong community response to raise as much money as possible for this vital cause.”

All proceeds raised at the Green Party’s Big Brew Tea Parties will be forwarded to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.