<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rdf:RDF
  xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
  xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
  xmlns="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/"
  xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/">
		
<channel rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/mp/?pid=12">
<title>Batt O'Keeffe - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/mp/?pid=12</link>
<description></description>
<dc:language>en-gb</dc:language>
<dc:creator>KildareStreet.com, mprss.php script</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:15+00:00</dc:date>

<items>
<rdf:Seq>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g595.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g592.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g590.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g588.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g392.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g390.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g386.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g384.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g382.3" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g380.7" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g376.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g374.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g372.3" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g370.3" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g364.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g361.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g359.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g356.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g354.2" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g352.3" />
</rdf:Seq>
</items>

</channel>

<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g595.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g595.0</link>
	<description>Outstanding progress has been made.  There were already 51,000 and we are putting together another 24,000.  The co-operation I am getting from the institutes of technology, the VECs and F&Atilde;�S has...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="595.1">Outstanding progress has been made.  There were already 51,000 and we are putting together another 24,000.  The co-operation I am getting from the institutes of technology, the VECs and FÁS has been outstanding and I commend their co-operation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g592.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g592.0</link>
	<description>If Deputy Broughan were here in time he would have heard that a dramatic improvement has been made in the number of people who will be offered meaningful programmes which will provide a bridge...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="592.1">If Deputy Broughan were here in time he would have heard that a dramatic improvement has been made in the number of people who will be offered meaningful programmes which will provide a bridge for those people who have the ability to avail of them to progress to full-time education, degree courses, diplomas or certificates.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g590.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g590.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share my time with the Ministers of State from my Department, Deputies Jimmy Devins and Barry Andrews. The scale of the challenges we face and the speed at which the economic...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="590.2">I wish to share my time with the Ministers of State from my Department, Deputies Jimmy Devins and Barry Andrews.</p><p pid="590.3">The scale of the challenges we face and the speed at which the economic environment has changed make this budget one of critical importance to our country’s future well-being.</p><p pid="590.4">As the Minister for Finance pointed out yesterday, there is limited scope for additional expenditure reductions at this stage of the year.  Savings had to be found, however, and the burden of these adjustments has been spread across Departments.</p><p pid="590.5">An adjustment of €81 million has been made to the education Vote as part of yesterday’s budget.  This is made up of a reduction of €27 million in current expenditure across several programme areas and a €54 million reduction in capital expenditure.  This adjustment brings the gross allocation for the education Vote in 2009 to €9.49 billion, representing a total reduction of €134 million on the allocation in the October budget.  The difference between the overall reduction of €134 million and the adjustment of €81 million in yesterday’s budget is largely due to the transfer of funding for youth services to the Department of Health and Children and adjustments for general savings agreed by Government in February.  The revised allocation still represents an increase of about 2% on the 2008 out-turn.</p><p pid="590.6">To achieve long-term reductions in the public sector pay bill the Government has introduced a series of measures aimed at reducing the number of people employed in the public sector.  This includes a ban on recruitment and promotion.  A major concession has been made for education whereby the numbers cap applying to teachers and special needs assistants, SNAs, will be applied only after the start of the new school year in September 2009.  Vacancies arising after that date will continue to be filled, subject to the overall cap on numbers, so that the level of service being provided will be maintained.</p><p pid="590.7">While a moratorium on ’post of responsibility’ allowances in schools will apply generally, a concession also applies to the first allocation of these allowances for new schools.  In addition, principal and deputy principal posts will continue to be filled under the delegated sanction arrangements for filling teaching posts.  These arrangements illustrate the Government’s commitment to maintaining front line services in schools.</p><p pid="590.8">A total of 80,000 people have lost their jobs since January.  Unfortunately, we expect more jobs to be lost in the coming months.  A priority for the Government is to support those who have lost their jobs through retraining and further education.  A range of measures is being targeted at maintaining people in employment, re-skilling and facilitating better access to allowances.</p><p pid="590.9">The higher and further education sector has a key role to play in providing the type of up-skilling that will help unemployed people develop their workforce skills and avail of more sustainable employment opportunities as the economy recovers.  As part of the budget measures almost 7,000 additional education places are being made available for unemployed people.</p><p pid="590.10">From September 2009, an additional 1,500 post leaving certificate, PLC, places will be made available nationwide, bringing the total number to nearly 32,000.  The PLC programme provides successful participants with specific vocational skills to enhance their prospects of securing lasting, full-time employment, or progression to other studies.  The allocation of these extra 1,500 PLC places is another step in expanding opportunities and broadening access to further education so that people can enhance their employment skills.</p><p pid="590.11">These additional places continue the significant progress we have made over the past 12 years in expanding further education provision.  Investment in further education last year was €414 million, a 400% increase on the equivalent 1997 figure.  This increased investment allowed 145,000 learners to receive education and training last year, an increase of more than 95,000 on 1997.</p><p pid="590.12">Applications through the CAO for entry to third level courses in 2009 show an increase of 6% over 2008, while applications from mature students, have increased by almost 20%.  While the increased number of students entering the system at a time when further reductions are being imposed on already reduced budgets will necessitate difficult spending choices at the level of individual institutions, it is appropriate, in parallel, to target extra resources in supporting individuals who become unemployed to be given access to employment relevant skills.</p><p pid="590.13">This will involve a degree of redeployment of resources within the higher education sector according to that priority need.  Notwithstanding the reductions in funding, it is expected that at least 2,000 unemployed will be accommodated on full-time third level courses starting this autumn.</p><p pid="590.14">Many unemployed people with good workforce skill recognise that embarking on a third level programme is a key stepping stone to changing career paths and want to be given the opportunity to start re-skilling as soon as possible after losing their jobs.  It is recognised that a potential barrier in this regard is the fact that the traditional third level academic year runs from September to June and most places are filled through the CAO process.  For a variety of reasons, however, students may either not take up a place that has been offered to them through the CAO or they may subsequently drop out of a course after it has started.  A review by the institutes of technology of the scope to utilise this additional capacity to offer places to unemployed people concluded that filling these places midway through a course term could place both new entrants and existing students at a disadvantage.  As an alternative means of utilising this spare capacity, a number of institutes of technology are providing unemployed people with the opportunity for direct entry into newly-developed accelerated level 6 certificate programmes.  Under this initiative participants will be able to complete the first year of a standard two-year programme in an accelerated manner so that they can move to the second year of the programme in September 2009.  Just under 300 places have been provided under this pilot initiative which commenced in February.</p><p pid="590.15">It is also recognised that unemployed people who may be out of the formal education system for some time may have concerns about their capacity to embark on a third-level programme of study.  To help address these concerns, institutes of technology across the country are utilising spare capacity to provide over 900 places on a range of newly-developed, part-time transition programmes.  The purpose of these programmes is to assist unemployed people to find out more about the type of courses that may be suited to them and to build their confidence by developing some of the necessary skills for studying at third level.  It is hoped that having undertaken these courses, a significant number of participants will be encouraged to apply on a direct entry basis for a range of third-level certificate and degree programmes commencing in September 2009.  Participation in the accelerated programmes and the third-level transition courses is free of charge and participants continue to be eligible for social welfare payments.</p><p pid="590.16">In recognition of the fact that a return to full-time education may not be appropriate to the circumstances of many unemployed people who want to engage in fundamental upskilling, 1,500 places will be provided to enable persons who are unemployed or who are on short-time working, to pursue third-level certificate or degree programmes on a part-time basis.  The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will fund these places and arrangements for the operation of the part-time programme will be agreed between officials in my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.</p><p pid="590.17">As a result of the downturn in the construction sector, a significant number of apprentices are losing their jobs before they can complete their apprenticeship.  The institutes of technology have been working closely with FÁS to ensure that apprentices are given every opportunity to complete their apprenticeships.  Extra classes are being provided for apprentices who have to re-sit exams and a number of additional term blocks will be provided throughout the summer to facilitate over 300 apprentices to complete the education phases of their apprenticeships.  I thank the Teachers Union of Ireland for its co-operation in this regard because it is facilitating this programme out of the normal school year in these exceptional circumstances.</p><p pid="590.18">A new 11-week certified education programme has been developed specifically for redundant apprentices.  The programme, which will be delivered by institutes of technology, will commence in September 2009 and will cater for up to 700 redundant apprentices per annum.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g588.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=677#g588.0</link>
	<description>It is otherwise known as the Wicklow Times. </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="588.1">It is otherwise known as the Wicklow Times. </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g392.2">
	<title>School Curriculum. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g392.2</link>
	<description>We have gone beyond the remit of the original question.  It is important for me to make clear, in case people think we are denuding schools of all language support teachers, that our schools will...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="392.2">We have gone beyond the remit of the original question.  It is important for me to make clear, in case people think we are denuding schools of all language support teachers, that our schools will continue to avail of the services of approximately 1,400 language support teachers.  Approximately 500 other teachers will be in part-time positions within the language support system.  I can inform the Deputy, in response to the second part of his question, that the Department has undertaken an audit of the systems of admission of various schools.  While the audit found that such systems are fair and above board, by and large, it also indicated that enrolment practices in certain schools need to be addressed.  It is my intention to do that.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g390.2">
	<title>School Curriculum. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g390.2</link>
	<description>My intention, when dealing with the numbers of additional language support teachers that could be put in place, was to be open and transparent.  I did not want to be accused of operating on the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="390.2">My intention, when dealing with the numbers of additional language support teachers that could be put in place, was to be open and transparent.  I did not want to be accused of operating on the basis of nods and winks, or political interference.  I was keen to put in place a clear benchmark for the appointment of additional language support teachers.  That is what has been put in place.  Everybody can see that.  If a school wants to make an appeal under the revised system, which has been clearly set out, some 25% of its children will have to be newcomer children with English language support requirements.  The basis on which appeals can be submitted has been made clearly known to schools.  I will not tell the independent appeals body to be flexible — it is familiar with my position, which is that flexibility should be built into the appeals system in cases of schools which are willing to integrate and are seen to take in a high percentage of children who need language support.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g386.2">
	<title>School Curriculum. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g386.2</link>
	<description>We have put in place an independent appeals mechanism to ensure that appeals can be made if difficulties arise.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="386.2">We have put in place an independent appeals mechanism to ensure that appeals can be made if difficulties arise.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g384.2">
	<title>School Curriculum. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g384.2</link>
	<description>I have assured the schools in question that they will be able to make a special case.  It has been suggested that additional language teachers will be allocated to particular schools on the basis...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="384.2">I have assured the schools in question that they will be able to make a special case.  It has been suggested that additional language teachers will be allocated to particular schools on the basis of nods and winks, etc.  Before 2006, the number of language support teachers who could be allocated to each school was capped at two.  I have made it clear I want to ensure that schools that have been seen to integrate such pupils will be given the additional resources they require.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g382.3">
	<title>School Curriculum. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g382.3</link>
	<description>On the first question, the reduction in posts will be approximately 550.  This will be achieved through a combination of lower levels of immigration and the capping of language support at a...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="382.2">On the first question, the reduction in posts will be approximately 550.  This will be achieved through a combination of lower levels of immigration and the capping of language support at a maximum of two extra teachers per school, with some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment.  The reduction in posts is estimated to achieve a saving of up to €34 million in a full year and approximately €11 million in 2009.</p><p pid="382.3">When it came to dealing with language support, I was conscious of those schools with a high percentage of non-national children with English language requirements.  When I was making a decision on language support services, I was conscious that certain schools take in a high percentage of non-national children with English language requirements.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g380.7">
	<title>School Curriculum. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.378.0&amp;m=677#g380.7</link>
	<description>The Education Act 1998 sets out the legislative framework for the provision of education to all pupils.  There is no specific reference in that Act to English language support.  In my view,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="380.2">The Education Act 1998 sets out the legislative framework for the provision of education to all pupils.  There is no specific reference in that Act to English language support.  In my view, language support must be approached from the perspective not of legal imperative, but of enabling pupils for whom English is not the mother tongue to access the curriculum and participate fully in the Irish education system.  Language support is a measure that is integral to a policy of inclusion.</p><p pid="380.3">I recognise that the quality of supports pupils receive and the inclusive atmosphere cultivated in schools are important factors influencing the quality of learning obtained by newcomer pupils.  Research is being carried out on a number of fronts to ensure that a quality service continues to be provided.  To assist teachers with this work, resource materials, including intercultural guidelines and assessment kits for primary and post-primary schools, have been prepared and provided to all schools.</p><p pid="380.4">My Department supports an inclusive school environment that reflects values and affirms linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity.  Schools are encouraged to have in place policies and procedures that promote and facilitate the inclusion of all pupils.  A school’s commitment to creating an inclusive school environment should be evident in the school plan, the promotion of parental involvement, the provision of equality of access, the facilitation of professional development opportunities and in whole-school and classroom practice.  Pupils should also be encouraged and facilitated in maintaining a connection with their own culture and language through curriculum activities and displays.</p><p pid="380.5">On supports for schools, I must operate within the level of funding provided by the Oireachtas.  In light of the budget 2009 decision, my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009 will operate.  The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils.  The alleviation measures provide that these schools can qualify for up to four language support posts with the possibility of additional posts also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.</p><p pid="380.6"><i>Additional information not provided on the floor of the House.</i></p><p pid="380.7">Schools can apply in the normal way to my Department for language support posts.  These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support.  It is estimated that, notwithstanding the budget measures, there will be more than 1,400 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to approximately 500 other teachers in part-time posts.  By any standards, this is a significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g376.2">
	<title>Departmental Expenditure. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g376.2</link>
	<description>I am not sure.  The remit of the review group is to report to the Minister for Finance who will then present a report to Government.  Obviously, I will be party to the submission brought before...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="376.2">I am not sure.  The remit of the review group is to report to the Minister for Finance who will then present a report to Government.  Obviously, I will be party to the submission brought before Cabinet.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g374.2">
	<title>Departmental Expenditure. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g374.2</link>
	<description>I made my position clear on a radio programme last week when I instanced that secretaries general within the various Departments had taken significant cuts in their salaries.  I also indicated...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="374.2">I made my position clear on a radio programme last week when I instanced that secretaries general within the various Departments had taken significant cuts in their salaries.  I also indicated that people who held similar positions within the education sector should, perhaps, consider doing likewise.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g372.3">
	<title>Departmental Expenditure. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g372.3</link>
	<description>We meet regularly with the education partners and did so in the context of the last budget in terms of funding.  We are in regular contact with them.  The secretary general and senior officials...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="372.2">We meet regularly with the education partners and did so in the context of the last budget in terms of funding.  We are in regular contact with them.  The secretary general and senior officials from my Department liaise on a regular basis with the education partners.  We are apprised of some of the issues.  I have met with principal teacher organisations and have listened to their proposals.  Obviously, I welcome that participation and level of dialogue.</p><p pid="372.3">On the review group, its remit is to examine all areas of public spending.  I am examining expenditure in the third level sector and in this regard met with the Higher Education Authority yesterday.  I also addressed a meeting of the new authority.  Last week, the secretary general and I met with the Chairman of the HEA and other people who had examined expenditure in one of the third level institutions in terms of how it had and could make further significant savings.  I am not waiting for the review group to complete its work.  I have asked the HEA to request the presidents of the institutes of technology to meet with this group to tease out with it where savings can be garnered.  I will meet later with the presidents and provost of Trinity College, Dublin, to tease out with them where savings can be made within that particular sector.  That is one example of where we are being proactive in terms of ensuring we obtain value for money in respect of every day spending.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g370.3">
	<title>Departmental Expenditure. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.367.0&amp;m=677#g370.3</link>
	<description>The secretary general and senior officials from my Department met with the special group on Wednesday, 18 March 2009.  It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the work of the special...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="370.2">The secretary general and senior officials from my Department met with the special group on Wednesday, 18 March 2009. </p><p pid="370.3">It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the work of the special group until it has completed its work and submitted it to the Minister for Finance, who will report to Government on the matter.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g364.2">
	<title>Property Transfers. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g364.2</link>
	<description>We have.  The Deputy is in a generous mood this afternoon.  I am not sure others would match that generosity.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="364.2">We have.  The Deputy is in a generous mood this afternoon.  I am not sure others would match that generosity.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g361.2">
	<title>Property Transfers. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g361.2</link>
	<description>I answered this question for Deputy Quinn on the last occasion.  At that time, I looked at a system that was working well, which has served us well and with which parents seem to be happy.  I...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="361.2">I answered this question for Deputy Quinn on the last occasion.  At that time, I looked at a system that was working well, which has served us well and with which parents seem to be happy.  I must ask myself, in terms of transferring these schools into State ownership, whether I am better off putting money into capital resources, building new——</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g359.2">
	<title>Property Transfers. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g359.2</link>
	<description>There are two points to remember in this regard.  The Committee of Public Accounts examined this and, at the end of the day, its view was that the best deal possible in the circumstances was...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="359.2">There are two points to remember in this regard.  The Committee of Public Accounts examined this and, at the end of the day, its view was that the best deal possible in the circumstances was obtained by the State.  The Deputy conveniently forgets that the State had already decided it was going to put a redress scheme in place before there was any view that the churches should make a contribution.  An agreement has been reached with the churches.  That is signed, sealed and delivered and it is not my intention to seek a review of that agreement.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g356.2">
	<title>Property Transfers. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g356.2</link>
	<description>We could.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="356.2">We could.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g354.2">
	<title>Property Transfers. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g354.2</link>
	<description>It is a tentative sum.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="354.2">It is a tentative sum.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g352.3">
	<title>Property Transfers. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.347.0&amp;m=677#g352.3</link>
	<description>Up to 31 December 2008, the board had made awards in the case of 11,848 applicants.  A further 699 cases have been withdrawn, refused or have resulted in no award being made.  This leaves a...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="352.2">Up to 31 December 2008, the board had made awards in the case of 11,848 applicants.  A further 699 cases have been withdrawn, refused or have resulted in no award being made.  This leaves a balance of 2,047 cases remaining to be processed.  The overall average award from the inception of the scheme is €64,892.  Based on the number of applications received, the final cost of the scheme may be €1.1 billion, including legal and administrative costs, which are now running at approximately 28% of awards.</p><p pid="352.3">Any estimate of the final cost of the scheme at this point will, of course, be tentative as there are approximately 2,047 outstanding cases at present.  As the board generally clears between 200 and 220 cases per month, it is estimated that the remaining cases will be processed by the end of 2009.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>


</rdf:RDF>