Results 1,361-1,380 of 2,978 for speaker:Paul Gogarty

Written Answers — Physical Education Facilities: Physical Education Facilities (4 Nov 2008)

Paul Gogarty: Question 487: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has received further indications from other Departments and agencies regarding funding for the continuation of the sports halls at schools (details supplied) in County Dublin. [37970/08]

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: I wish to begin by telling a story. Approximately one year ago, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education and Science, I called an emergency meeting on the water charges issue. It may have been coincidental but when I called that meeting, there was a response from the Government. My aim in calling the meeting was to try to obtain an agreed cross-party motion from the members of the...

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: The latter is extremely important, particularly in these straitened economic times.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: This matter relates to our economic and social well-being and also to our children. I am happy the Labour Party is fulfilling its obligations as a party of opposition. The Green Party is also fulfilling its obligations as a party in government. That is why I am satisfied to stand over the Government amendment which the Green Party played its role in framing.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: The amendment recognises that we are in tough economic times and that progress has been made in some areas, while cutbacks have been made in others.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: However, the amendment also contains a commitment to address these cutbacks at the earliest possible opportunity. The Green Party is fully engaged in that process. I concur with all Members that a response is definitely required. However, I also understand that such a response will come at the appropriate time.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: I wish to place on record the fact that I fully support the Minister for Education and Science——

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: ——in his attempts to deal with the difficult circumstances relating to the education budget. I remain a strong critic of education funding in general. The onus is on the Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach, the Cabinet, those on the Opposition benches——

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: ——and the Green Party to try to work to increase that funding.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: Last year, I criticised the lack of funding for education when times were better. During a debate on a previous Labour Party motion, when I was in opposition, I railed against the lack of commitment on all sides of the House to achieve a real consensus to increase education funding.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: We are engaged in that process. I acknowledge that this motion gives us a valuable opportunity. There are lessons to learn. I certainly hope my party has learned those lessons.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: I hope all parties will learn lessons. We need a consensus and a vision for education over the next ten years.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: That vision needs to extend beyond the electoral cycle. We should not always be trying to sort things out in advance of a general election and hoping everything will be fine.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: We need a commitment not just from the Government, but also from the Opposition——

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: ——to work in partnership.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: As I said at the outset when I mentioned the committee motion, one can achieve more if there is a consensus.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: I concur with my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, who said that the education partners can play a constructive role in this process. All teachers, like everybody else involved with schools, have acknowledged that there are savings to be made.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: The Deputy can do so in a second. I am nearly finished.

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: Contrary to media reports, the Green Party is neither pulling out of the Government——

Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed) (30 Oct 2008)

Paul Gogarty: ——nor climbing down on the education issue.