Results 2,961-2,980 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: We have the second largest class sizes in Europe.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: What sites?

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Where would the Deputy put them?

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: I wish to share time with Deputy Rabbitte.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: I begin by commending Deputy O'Sullivan on tabling this critical motion. Anybody who has attended the public meetings taking place across the country will be aware that the issue of class size has captured the imaginations of the people. The crowded meetings taking place throughout the country are ample testimony to the importance of the issue and the critical need to resolve it. Last week...

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: We do not want teachers teaching in cloakrooms or toilets. Not only do we want adequate numbers of teachers, we want decent buildings, materials and support services, which are the norm in developed countries. Third, we have asked for fulfilment of the settled objective that classes be no bigger than the European norm. Once this is achieved, it should not be resiled from again so we can...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (21 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Question 152: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussion he has had on human rights in recent times with the People's Republic of China. [10520/07]

Order of Business (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: We have not had one.

Order of Business (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: The Tánaiste should give us the time so we can properly debate the Bill.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Selling sugar.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: He also dismissed the Opposition at the time.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: I have read and reread the Minister's opening contribution to the debate and find it hard to recall ever reading a sentence introducing legislation that was more full of self-importance or that belied the facts so much. The opening sentence reads: "From time to time this House is confronted with issues that go to the heart of our role as national legislators". However, the conduct and...

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Has there been some great advance technically? I certainly do not want another white elephant. The current Government's dallying with electronics should have warned it sufficiently about wasted money. If the project is unworkable, the Minister should tell us. If there has been some technological breakthrough since last May and the tall buildings, high trees and low clouds no longer affect...

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: I am grateful that, for the first time in this one-and-a-half-hour debate, the Minister is engaging with the Opposition. I have obviously touched a raw nerve. If the Minister believes this is a daft proposal he should tell us.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Will the Acting Chairman control the Minister before he gets carried away?

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Can I explain how the system works?

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: I hope I will get injury time for all this. I will explain to the Minister how the system works. He is the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. He makes propositions and explains them to the House. He should not ask the Opposition to invent its own laws so he can scrutinise them. When we move to the Government benches, we will make the law and he can comment on it. As and from...

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: I know, that is why I am not at odds with this proposal. The notion that people who commit a minor offence face life imprisonment without parole is horrific. We must tread carefully. I do not oppose the Minister's suggestions, particularly on crime prevention orders, which are an extremely valuable development. I would like time on Committee Stage to find out the Minister's thinking on...

Written Answers — Bullying in Schools: Bullying in Schools (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Question 34: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on a recent survey by the INTO that indicates that bullying is very prevalent in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10716/07]

Written Answers — Schools Recognition: Schools Recognition (22 Mar 2007)

Brendan Howlin: Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction further schools under the patronage of vocational education committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10715/07]