Results 2,821-2,840 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: As the Deputy will be aware, from February 2008 all Capital Works Projects must use the new GCCC Forms of Construction Contracts for Public Works and, as a result, Co. Mayo VEC has been informed that it must re-tender this project before proceeding to construction. Co. Mayo VEC, as client on the project, will determine, in conjunction with the Design team on the project, how quickly this...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I have been invited by the organisers to attend the ceremony at Custom House Quay to commemorate the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments I am unable to attend the ceremony. However, I am arranging to be represented by an official from my Department.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I have.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I already did so.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I already indicated I will reintroduce it.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I have given that commitment in the Dáil.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I think I was very positive.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The ATM.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Privately?

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I was holding my breath for a minute.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: There is a new dedicated line for each Member of the Oireachtas and each was informed about it in writing in recent weeks. One can ring an individual directly who will deal with the problem. That is a new initiative.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Opposition got it as well.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I thank Senators Healy Eames, McFadden, O'Toole, Ormonde, Keaveney and Ryan for their contributions which were positive, though sometimes erratic. If one looks at the allocations in the Department of Education and Science since 1997, it can be seen that this year alone, €9.3 billion was the education budget, which is unbelievable. The...

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is not an up-to-date document. Progress in recent years has seen the primary school capitation grant increased from €95.87 per pupil in 2001 to its current rate of €178.58. That represents an increase of 86% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2001. That compares to a cumulative increase of 30% in the consumer price index between 2001 and the end of 2007. The value of...

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I should also point out that enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €457 to €880 per pupil — an average increase of about 42% on the rate payable in 2006. By any standards that is a significant improvement within a...

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: If the Houses seeks a comparison, it should compare this with what we inherited in 1997.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: At that time, only 30 large-scale primary school projects were underway.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: On top of that I have indicated to the construction sector——

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: ——that I am looking for it to propose schemes where it builds schools and we lease them back. I intend to put in place a pilot project.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Anybody who criticises the members of my building unit needs to have his or her head examined. It comprises an outstanding group of people, totally committed to their work who have produced outstandingly in recent years and I take great pride in the work they do and for which I commend them. I have put in place, to facilitate the Members of the Houses, a dedicated telephone line in the...