Results 3,821-3,840 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I will give the facts as they are. The facts are there has been a substantial growth in the cost of substitution, sick days and uncertified sick leave, and we do not have the funding to meet those costs. That is the point that has been made.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Of course, on the average of the Civil Service, by and large there is no difference across the board.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I have pointed out in every statement I have made that I am astounded by the quality of the teachers in this country and the throughput of education.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: In terms of what I said, on Mondays throughout the school year, there were over 12,500 days——

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: That was for 2007.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: In fact, I did the reverse. I asked my Department to contact all the education correspondents to rectify the mistake once I realised that it had been made. If the Deputy was to ask any of these correspondents, he would find that they were contacted to correct any misunderstandings that might have arisen.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I will not allow Deputy Brian Hayes or anybody else to impugn me or imply that I made aspersions against teachers.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy made the remarks today. He implied that I am taking issue with teachers.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: No, I never said that.

School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I have always attested to the quality of our teachers.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Class size data for primary schools is compiled by my Department on an annual basis. The source of this data is the annual census of primary schools. Data for each school year is made available when returns for all schools in respect of the year in question have been processed. Schools will not be making returns in respect of the 2009-10 school year until after 30 September 2009 and,...

Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I understand the point that the Deputy is making and respect his opinion. I hope, however, he can appreciate that we have a difficulty in this regard. The Department has received 4,300 written and oral questions, which is 13% of the total number of parliamentary questions. The amount of man hours required to answer them is substantial. I am the first to admit that we have to make...

Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am aware of the number of questions that are tabled. They reflect a drawback in our system. Since I have taken on this position, I have assigned a dedicated line for Deputies to contact an official in the Department when they have particular issues they want to have investigated. That official is assigned to facilitate Members of this House. I hope we can thereby dramatically reduce the...

Higher Education Strategy. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly in regard to the process of developing a new national strategy for higher education. It is envisaged the process will be led by a high level steering group which will provide business, student, wider community and international perspectives. Senior officials from key Departments will also participate. The development of a national strategy...

Higher Education Strategy. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: There has been no mention of any person to chair this committee. I have never discussed the chairmanship of this committee with anybody and I was never privy to any information that a particular person was being proposed for it. It was news to me when I read the newspaper article that a particular person was mentioned. With regard to the chairmanship, I agree we need somebody of outstanding...

Higher Education Strategy. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Having committed to the strategy, I thought it appropriate in the first place that I have a look at the budgetary parameters and the financial framework. I also wanted to have an opportunity for in-depth discussions with various people relating to the higher education strategy. I will not be looking at one in isolation of the other; both issues will be considered in tandem. I see in-depth...

Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The subjects social, personal and health education, physical education and home economics at second level cover, among elements of the syllabus, the areas of healthy eating and the food pyramid, healthy lifestyle, physical health, body care, exercise, relaxation and diet. They are evaluated in schools by the inspectorate using indicators specific to primary and to second level schools as...

Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I cannot comment on individual schools. It is appropriate that I mention here that at all times I was open to having discussions with the various education partners. When they came to meet me, they indicated they may have some suggestions and I indicated to the education committee that discussions were going on in the background. I bring it to the attention of the Dáil that those...

Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: No. The Deputy asked me about substitution and the difficulties in terms of sports, games and the operation of schools. We have held discussions with the Joint Managerial Body for Secondary Schools, JMB, and the second level teachers' unions are aware of the suggested agreement.

Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: In light of a full review, I am prepared to invest €2.7 million in the system between January and June to complete discussions. It has been indicated to me that the schools will be able to live within these parameters.