Results 2,461-2,480 of 13,254 for speaker:Seán Sherlock

Written Answers — Research Funding: Research Funding (13 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: The EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, (FP7) covers the period 2007-2013 and has a budget of approximately €50 billion. The national target for drawdown by Ireland from FP7, over the seven-year period, is €600 million. The tabular statement that is being provided with the official reply provides details of the amounts of funding awarded to Irish...

Written Answers — Skill Shortages: Skill Shortages (14 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Ireland is a successful major centre for Industrial operations. In the ICT sector nine of the top ten software companies in the world have substantial operations here. The ready availability of top quality talent has been an important contributing factor to the success of both multinational and indigenous companies in Ireland. The cluster of internationally renowned firms and smaller Irish...

Alternative Energy Projects (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: The "green economy" is a term used to categorise a range of economic activities which contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, better resource usage, and respect for the environment. It covers a range of activities from carbon trading to energy efficient and environmentally friendly products, renewable energies and eco-tourism. The programme for Government makes commitments to...

Alternative Energy Projects (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I agree with the Deputy on the change of emphasis over recent years, but I disagree with him on the Green Party's agenda. All parties in the House have been engaged with the agenda for a long time. An additional 2,000 jobs were created in 2011. A Cabinet sub-committee is dealing directly with this area and it gives Government impetus to it. There is a challenge for Ireland in the next...

Alternative Energy Projects (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: The Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach launched the strategy for the international financial services industry 2011-16. One of the initiatives is the creation of the Green IFSC whereby we pin down areas in which there are new opportunities ranging from carbon management, IP commercialisation, private equity investment to green tech fund management. The Government is engaging in this...

Job Creation (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: The Minister, Deputy Bruton, and I have had separate meetings recently with the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, with a view to building strong relationships to ensure Ireland maximises the benefits of our position in the European Union in terms of jobs and opportunities to further develop the economy. Most recently, the Minister met the...

Job Creation (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: There is a multi-layered approach in this respect. There is clear recognition of a strong policy started by successive Governments which forms the foundation for ensuring the maximisation of the potential for the drawdown of funds. We are already involved in a research prioritisation exercise that will seek to concentrate on specific themes of research and, ultimately, commercialise that...

Job Creation (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: If I was to proffer a personal opinion, I would contend we could be doing more on the commercialisation agenda. If we were spinning out more companies, for instance, from the higher education institutes, that would ultimately lead to further job creation. It must be remembered also that our investment in research, or research, development and innovation, through the collaborative approach...

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (19 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: The High Court indicated that it intends to grant an order declaring sections 42, 43, and 45 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 and section 45 of the 1990 Act to be unconstitutional. In this new Bill, the response by Deputy O'Dea has been to import the exact provisions of four original sections that had featured in the now lapsed Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009. The 2009 Bill...

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (21 Jul 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Dublin City of Science 2012 is a highly prestigious event which was won in the face of stiff competition. Planning for this event is being coordinated by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government. Hosting City of Science will serve three functions. It will ·provide a platform to showcase the best of Irish science and research across all disciplines; ·boost the...

Written Answers — Legislative Reviews: Legislative Reviews (14 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I presume the Deputy is referring to the recent public consultation in relation to proposed amendment to the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 arising from the High Court judgement in the case of EMI Records (Ireland) Ltd and others v. UPC Communications Ireland Ltd. Over 50 submissions have been received in respect of that consultation and all of these (including that made by IRMA) have...

Leaders' Question (15 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Who sold out Irish Sugar?

School Curriculum (20 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I thank Deputy Catherine Murphy for raising this issue, which provides me with an opportunity to outline some of the ongoing developments in mathematics and science that are most pertinent to the matter she has put forward for debate. Providing for high quality teaching and learning of mathematics and science is of strategic importance to the State and I welcome the opportunity to discuss...

School Curriculum (20 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: We can overcome the challenges facing us notwithstanding the recruitment embargo. The national centre of excellence in the University of Limerick is doing a great deal of work in the area of continuing professional development to enable teachers to attain the required standard. In addition, there are conversion courses that can be done. In this way we can ensure we have a coterie of...

School Curriculum (20 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I apologise for not giving Deputy Murphy a more comprehensive answer, but I will be happy to engage further with her on an individual basis.

Job Protection (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I thank Deputy Smith for raising this matter. My primary concern is with the workers facing uncertainty today. Taking account of the domestic economy, Aviva has decided to review its operations to ensure its capacity is in line with domestic demand to ensure sustainability. Industry figures show that general insurance has fallen by more than 20% in the past two years, while life insurance...

Job Protection (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Yes, certainly.

Job Protection (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I acknowledge the Deputy's statement. There is no sense of complacency on the part of the Government on this issue. We must have regard to the fact the Cabinet has asked the IDA, given its knowledge of the company, to continue to work with it to mitigate any possible negative outcomes. Let us be frank. I can dance around the language of redundancies and job losses but if a multinational...

Teaching Qualifications (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: The Teaching Council recently carried out a survey of post-primary schools to ascertain the qualifications of maths teachers. The results of the survey show that a significant majority of teachers - 68% - teaching maths in 258 schools are fully qualified to do so, that 29% have pursued some studies in maths and that only 2% have not obtained third level qualifications or pursued studies in...

Teaching Qualifications (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: To give the Deputy a straight answer, I am not in a position to do this. As he is well aware, the boards of management of schools have autonomy in respect of who they hire and fire. There is an issue of governance in that regard. I ask the Deputy to have faith in the process being undertaken. We must obtain the results of the survey and analyse them. As announced on 12 September, a...