Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Ireland)

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources ( _ga. Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Achmhainní Nádúrtha) is the senior minister at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Government of Ireland.

The current Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is Eamon Ryan, TD. He is assisted by:
*Seán Power, TD – Minister of State for the Information Society and Natural Resources.

Overview

The Department has responsibilities in the areas of:

Communications

*Communications development – promotion of the provision and development of competitive high quality and world class services in the communications, electronic and mobile commerce sectors.
*Business and technology – focusing on new business and technology applications and the development of policies, initiatives and legislation as appropriate.
*Regulatory affairs – the development of effective policies for the regulation of the electronic communications sector and management of the radio frequency spectrum.
*Postal services – the development of an effective policy for the Irish postal sector based on open market principles.
*It is seen as a replacement to the old Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

Natural Resources

*The Petroleum Affairs Division aims to:
**maximise the benefits to the State from exploration for and production of indigenous oil and gas resources;
**ensure that activities are conducted safely and with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land/sea users.
*The Exploration and Mining Division of the Department is charged with:
**applying the Minerals Development Act to minerals exploration and development;
**encouraging the early identification and responsible development by private investors of the Nation's minerals deposits in accordance with best international practice;
**enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland for international and national minerals investment by active promotional measures.
*The Geological Survey of Ireland is:
**Ireland's National Earth Science Agency, and is responsible for providing geological advice and information.

Energy

*To develop a competitive energy supply industry
*To ensure security and reliability of energy supply
*To develop energy conservation and end-use efficiency

Broadcasting

The Broadcasting Division aims to:
*Develop a policy and legislative framework to facilitate the provision of quality broadcasting services in Ireland
*To optimise the opportunities presented by the emerging technologies for the provision of new Irish-based broadcasting services.

Marine

The Department has a wide range of roles and functions in the areas of:
*Public safety
*Environmental protection
*Coastal zone

From January 2006 several areas including The Irish Coast Guard, Marine Survey Office and Maritime Safety Division, were moved to the Department of Transport and the Marine.

List of office-holders

Footnotes

ee also

*Irish cabinets since 1919

External links

* [http://www.dcmnr.gov.ie/ Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources]