The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is the senior minister at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (An Roinn Cumarsáide, Mara agus Achmhainní Nádúrtha) in the Irish Government. The current Minister is Noel Dempsey, TD; he is assisted by Pat the Cope Gallagher, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Marine.

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.

Marine

• A wide range of roles and functions in the areas of maritime transport, public safety, environmental protection and coastal zone.

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.

Minister for Fisheries 1921-1930

Minister for Lands & Fisheries 1930-1937

Minister for Lands 1937-1977

Minister for Fisheries 1977-1978

Minister for Fisheries & Forestry 1978-1986

Minister for Tourism, Fisheries & Forestry 1986-1987

Minister for Marine 1987-1997

Minister for Marine & Natural Resources 1997-2002

Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources 2002-present

Footnote

1. As Minister for Defence and the Marine.

See also

• Irish cabinets since 1919

External link

• Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources