Results 6,641-6,660 of 8,015 for speaker:Jonathan O'Brien

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: I know that. There has been media commentary to that effect, which is why today's debate is important. It allows the Minister to set out an answer to the criticism. History and geography are vital and the Minister has said that it is not his intention to downgrade these subjects. We all know the advantages of history and geography and the Minister is well aware of it. The unions have...

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: I welcome the opportunity to discuss this motion. It gave the Minister the opportunity to address some of the concerns voiced to the Minister about how this was announced and how it will be implemented, so it is an important debate. At all times we must strive to implement what is contained in the Department's mission statement, which is to enable learners to achieve their full potential...

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: It was due to that worrying trend that I believe the Minister put so much focus on reforming the junior cycle, and we welcome that. I realise it is stating the obvious but it is vital for the development of our education system that we get this reform right. The previous speaker referred to the timeframe the Minister proposes for implementing this reform. While there might be some...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Employment Support Services (22 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the impact recent declines in chemical and related projects may have on employment and Departmental strategy. [51901/12]

Supreme Court Ruling in the X Case: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: The recent death of Savita Halappanavar has shocked people throughout the world. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of cities and towns throughout the State to express their shock and their sympathy to her husband, Praveen. I also sympathise with Praveen Halappanavar and the family of his wife, Savita. While we do not know the exact circumstances surrounding her untimely...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Top Level Appointments Committee (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to make any further changes to the Top Level Appointments Committee. [51551/12]

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Redeployment (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the redeployment taking place across the system as stated in his progress on the implementation of the Government's Public Service Reform Plan September 2012. [51552/12]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that a person (details supplied) is not employed by the Special Education Support Service but is in fact on part-time secondment from a college. [51729/12]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the National Council for Special Educators report into Evidence of Best Practice Models and Outcomes into the Education of Children with Emotional Disturbances and Behavioural Difficulties; the steps he has taken to implement the recommendation that behavioural psychologists and other...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Teaching Qualifications (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers working here who have a postgraduate qualification in ABA; the number of teachers who have received funding to study ABA at postgraduate level here; and if he will confirm that teachers who pursue a BCBA qualification must contract privately to have their work supervised. [51731/12]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (21 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances under which a principal or teacher is obliged to implement the recommendations of a psychological or medical professional; and the circumstances which allow them to disregard these recommendations. [51732/12]

Other Questions: School Curriculum (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: I agree with Deputy O'Donovan. One of the reasons we are reforming the junior cycle is the difficulty with rote learning and how all of the pressure is placed on a single day. However, some of the arguments for this are undermined if we do not also consider the leaving certificate. Thursday's debate will be welcome, as there is some confusion among parents. They are concerned about what...

Other Questions: Third Level Sector Reform (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: The Minister put his finger on the issue when he said we do not know some of the issues we need to. It is very hard to evaluate whether quality has dropped given the rise in students and it is a challenge for the Department to precisely evaluate that. We can go on from there. The Minister mentioned an amendment to the Universities Act. When the heads were published there was much media...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Adult Education (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: That is important because the figures show 300,000 people are accessing some form of learning or education, reflecting the huge appetite for people to get upskilled because they are aware of its value. There is also a social value, so that €20 million is welcome. We will await the budget, however, to see what impact it has. I take heart from the Minister of State's recognition of the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Student Grant Scheme Delays (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: The e-mail I sent inquired about the status of a particular application. I received a reply 14 days later to say SUSI could not discuss the application. It had nothing to do with bank account details.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Adult Education (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on claims by the National Adult Learning Organisation, AONTAS, that a lack of financial support and suitable course options are the biggest challenges for adults returning to education; the efforts being made by him to integrate adult guidance with course provision, connect with employers, explore other funding models for part time...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Adult Education (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: If the Minister of State has not seen the report I refer to I will pass on a copy to him.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Adult Education (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: One of the key findings of the report is the level of frustration felt by adult learners regarding the courses they are directed to take. Some felt the courses did not suit their skill sets, were leading nowhere or were not long enough to acquire the skills they needed to enter the workforce. I welcome the programme of reform being undertaken by the Department of Education and Skills. The...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Student Grant Scheme Delays (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: I will give the Minister two examples of the frustration that occurs. On 5 November, I e-mailed SUSI on behalf of a constituent. Some 14 days later, I received a response from the SUSI helpdesk about the e-mail, which I sent from my Oireachtas e-mail account to the e-mail address we were given. The response, 14 days after I first e-mailed, was that SUSI was unable to discuss the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Student Grant Scheme Delays (20 Nov 2012)

Jonathan O'Brien: With regard to the company in Cork which got the contract, the Minister said no cost benefit analysis was carried out. Unfortunately, however, there is a cost and it is being borne by the students. Nearly every Deputy has received probably in excess of 300 e-mails from students, many of whom are complaining that documentation which they previously sent in is now being requested again. This...