Results 1,141-1,160 of 1,227 for speaker:Derek Keating

Social Welfare Appeals (20 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 26: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance greater than three months pending an appeal for a social welfare payment; the reasons for the delay; if she has satisfied herself with the manner in which the appeals are being managed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21394/11]

Social Welfare Appeals (20 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I did not realise that Question No. 26 was being taken with Question No. 22. These are difficult times and the appeals system is under severe pressure. The Minister said that community welfare officers will be transferring to her Department. Will that require the introduction of legislation? Under the 2005 supplementary welfare legislation, SI 412, a community welfare officer has...

Commission of Investigation Report in the Catholic Diocese of Cloyne: Motion (Resumed) (20 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Like all Members, I am appalled at the findings of the commission of investigation report into the handling by the church authorities of the abuse of children in the Catholic dioceses of Cloyne. It makes distressing reading. I stand beside and in support of those who have been abused in the dioceses of Cloyne. The dioceses of Cloyne is more than 800 years old, it has 46 parishes and a...

Written Answers — Departmental Contracts: Departmental Contracts (19 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 61: To ask the Taoiseach the cost to him of the hiring of public relations companies and external advisors by the previous Governments between the years 1998 and 2011 in tabular form; the persons that initiated these contracts; if they were given out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21411/11]

Order of Business (14 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin did that.

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (13 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 25: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the service that is provided by the Passport Office; if he will give consideration to a feasibility study to have the passport service privatised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19974/11]

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (13 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 37: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is any alternative to the practice whereby passport applicants have to queue in the rain or cold for hours to complete their application for a passport; if he will examine this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19975/11]

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Hear, hear.

Undocumented Irish (13 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I thank the Minister for his reply. He has been passionate about this issue for a while. Many families on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are sad because of the restriction and the inability to travel. I wonder whether the Minister would consider seeking an informal amnesty with the US authorities. We could perhaps have an amnesty for undocumented Irish people living in the United States...

Undocumented Irish (13 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I am grateful to the Tánaiste for his reply.

Order of Business (12 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: The Minister for Justice and Equality recently requested the director of the Courts Service to remove a document-----

Order of Business (12 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: -----from a Government funded website. I understand the document is still there, which is unacceptable. Does the Taoiseach plan to deal with such behaviour in the forthcoming referendum on judicial pay?

Child Abuse (12 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 26: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her policy on mandatory reporting of child abuse, wilful neglect and physical or emotional abuse; her plans to introduce legislation for mandatory reporting of suspected abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18228/11]

Child Abuse (12 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: This is the first time I have had the opportunity to ask the Minister a question in the Dáil since her appointment. I would like to take the opportunity once again of congratulating her and wishing her every success. In my question I refer to the mandatory reporting of child abuse. The most recent findings of the Roscommon, Kelly Fitzgerald, the Murphy and the Kilkenny reports demonstrate...

Child Abuse (12 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I thank the Minister for that very concise reply. My concern is that members of the profession to which I referred might shy away from reporting and I hear what the Minister is saying on full implementation. Without a legislative requirement, how can we be guaranteed full implementation?

Written Answers — School Books: School Books (7 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 23: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider following the practice of the Department of Education in the United Kingdom by introducing a national school books service to reduce the increasing cost that burdens parents every year because of the changing curriculum and changing reading lists; if he will consider establishing a review body to report back to him...

Voluntary Contributions (7 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: Question 11: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the controls that will be implemented to assist families who are expected to make a voluntary registration fee at the start of every year for primary and secondary school students, who are also expected to pay €40 to €80 for photocopying services for the year as well as anything from €100 to €300 for extra curriculum such as...

Voluntary Contributions (7 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply for which I am very grateful. I know he will agree that investment in education will form a central part of our country's national recovery and anything that obstructs education for our children, young adults and parents engaged in back-to-education schemes will affect our recovery into the medium to long term. I received a copy of a letter...

Voluntary Contributions (7 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I ask for the indulgence of the Chair for 20 seconds. Some of the costs add up to almost €600. When one factors in two, three or four children, one would have very little change from €2,000 for 2011-2012. It is not an exaggeration to say that many people find it restrictive. I ask the Minister in the interests of common sense that a directive be issued to schools. The Department...

Voluntary Contributions (7 Jul 2011)

Derek Keating: I thank the Minister for the supplementary answer. It will be of great assistance and comfort to parents in the years ahead as we face difficult challenges.