Results 2,481-2,500 of 13,254 for speaker:Seán Sherlock

Teaching Qualifications (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Is the Deputy referring to the teaching of maths?

Teaching Qualifications (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I ask that the Deputy table a separate parliamentary question on that matter. This question relates to the teaching of maths. With regard to Deputy Smith's question, there are no exact figures for the take-up of CPD. However, I will endeavour to come back to him at a later date with additional information on the matter. If he is asking whether I am satisfied with the rate of reply to the...

Written Answers — School Curriculum: School Curriculum (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: In relation to concerns regarding the teaching of mathematics, I expect to receive shortly full figures from a Teaching Council survey of the qualifications of mathematics teachers in second level schools. Initial indications from the schools which have responded, approximately one third, are that some 68% of maths teachers are fully qualified to do so, 29% have undergone some studies in...

Written Answers — Educational Projects: Educational Projects (22 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: As the deputy is aware, Project Maths is a major programme of reform in mathematics in second level schools, which is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics. Project Maths began in 24 project schools in September 2008. Strands 1 and 2 began in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012 at Leaving Certificate and 2013 at Junior Certificate. Strands 3 and 4...

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I hope I can respond positively to all the ideas that were put forward. I acknowledge the contribution by Members to the debate on the past two evenings. Members have been generally constructive in their comments to date. I wish to put on record press releases from the IDA which outline certain examples of foreign direct investments made in the past two weeks. On 26 September the headline...

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I apologise to Opposition Members because my time is limited and I would like to respond. Since July, some 1,400 people have signed up to the jobs initiative and the national internship scheme. It will not be a panacea for all our ills but it is making incremental progress. That is how the Government will proceed. We will not have a great leap forward within the next thee or four months...

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: It is a slow, incremental process but our hearts and minds are in the right place. If I am to engage in a bit of rhetoric along with some of my counterparts in opposition, I would say that to govern is to choose. That means we will have to make tough decisions in future, but at the same time we are trying to keep the basics right. I would like to address the habitats directive and farming,...

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: We will work together constructively with those on the Opposition benches.

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I extend the invitation.

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I extend the invitation to Opposition Members to engage with us on a personal level and we will do everything we can to bring their agenda to the House.

Job Losses (5 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As I reported to the House on the 22 September, Aviva is undertaking a review of its operations in response to a significant reduction in demand for insurance and pensions products. Aviva has found it necessary to review its operations here to ensure its cost base is in line with domestic demand to ensure sustainability. The CEO of Aviva Ireland...

Job Losses (5 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Let us be straight. If a global company such as Aviva decides to restructure, it is pertinent, if there is engagement with the trade unions in the organisation, that we allow such a process to proceed. I have stated IDA Ireland is in dialogue with the company on potential future opportunities. I have also stated it is in contact with the company at both corporate and local level, with a...

Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011: Order for Second Stage (6 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." On a personal note, as this is the first legislation I have introduced as a Minister of State, I wish to say it is a privilege to be able to do so. The Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011 is a short but very important Bill amending three sections of the Patents Act 1992, to allow for the eventual ratification by Ireland of the London agreement. I...

Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I thank all of the Deputies who have contributed to the debate. Some have been pertinent to the legislation before us, others arguably not so. I will seek to address the points that were raised in regard to the legislation itself. As an aside, there is only one Deputy Finian McGrath and one could not patent him if one tried. I will start with the points raised about the UK patent box...

Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011: Referral to Select Committee (6 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation under Standing Orders 82A(3)(a) and 82A(6)(a).

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I am happy to have the opportunity to speak in the Seanad about supporting, embedding and realising a return on investment in science, technology and innovation for national competitive advantage. It is at the heart of what we do. We do not invest for investment's sake but in order that Ireland can gain a competitive advantage and prosper economically. Investment must result in jobs....

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I will meander through the contributions in no particular order. I will start with Senator Thomas Byrne. I am supposing he has not read the qualitative criteria laid down by the The Times Higher Education review in how it quantifies university rankings.

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: Senator Barrett hit the nail on the head in regard to the rankings. Nobody in this Government is committing himself or herself to mediocrity. We must be honest about these things and the ECF has had a bearing on the pupil-teacher ratios and that has had a bearing on the quantitative criteria laid down in regard to rankings and hence the headlines. I take the point Senator Barrett made in...

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Seán Sherlock: I apologise if I am unable to answer every question posed today. I will, however, address the issues arising with the Members concerned if they so agree. Senators O'Keeffe and Crown raised specific issues. My door is open and I am happy to help Members to address these and other specific issues. I thank Senators for giving me the opportunity to address them.