Results 4,861-4,880 of 5,732 for speaker:Fidelma Healy Eames

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It was not just him.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The House should have an early debate on the teaching profession and the value society places on teachers. There is no doubt a successful society needs a successful system. We rely on teachers, in collaboration with parents and students, to deliver such a system. This morning, I listened to Professor Pasi Sahlberg speak on "The John Murray Show". Professor Sahlberg will visit Galway next...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: We must allow teachers to speak for themselves, as trade unions do not always serve them well.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: With all due respect, the unions are trying to encourage mediocrity among teachers. Since when were all doctors or teachers the same? Junior certificate reform is creating serious problems and teachers are to strike next Tuesday, fundamentally because they do not feel valued. Another serious issue coming down the line is the introduction by the Department of Education and Skills of a new...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I would like to finish my point. They were deeply worried about resources being stripped from their children with special educational needs. Professor Pasi Sahlberg stated this morning that 30% of children in Finland are provided with special educational needs supports as soon as they start school. It should be no surprise that Finnish schoolchildren perform so well. I implore the Leader,...

Seanad: Water Sector Reforms: Statements (25 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Gabhaim buíoch leis an Seanadóir as ucht an méid ama atá á thabhairt aige dom. Colleagues on this side of the House and I did not vote for the water charges bill last year for one reason. We could not get answers to basic questions about the costs that would be imposed on people. I have one question for the Minister of State. He was a colleague of mine on this...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I congratulate Noirín O'Sullivan on becoming the new Commissioner. She will be very good. I find her very genuine and open, and she is a good communicator. The force needs that open face. I wish her the best of luck in that role and think we should all strongly support her. I talk to the Leader and particularly Fine Gael about the changes proposed to the Finance Bill which must be...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Senator Mary Ann O'Brien stated there must be a game changer on homelessness and the tragic death of Mr. Corrie has presented Members with an opportunity as a catalyst for action. While of course a long-term plan is needed and of course the causes of homelessness are deep and varied, an emergency response is also needed. I do not know how anybody sleeps out at night. I was delighted to...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Can I second it, third it or fourth it?

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Today, there are 350,000 young people out of school, with another day threatened in January. Moreover, it is not just the children who are studying for the junior certificate who are out, but this also affects the leaving certificate children. The Constitution states the parents are the primary educators but nobody consulted them and it is probable that 200,000 homes have been discommoded....

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I am very uncomfortable with the leadership given by the teachers' unions on this.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: With respect, I wish to finish this point. First, they did not ballot their members and the new deal proposed by the Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Second, if I wanted advice on education, I would not go to a teachers' union.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Something is fundamentally wrong in this regard.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: A debate on this issue is needed in this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Of course it is. I am not comfortable with the leadership.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: On a point of order, I sought a vote on an amendment to the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Given that Senator O'Donnell has withdrawn her amendment can my amendment not be taken?

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Yes.

Seanad: Action Plan for Jobs 2014: Statements (3 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The Minister is very welcome and I thank him for listening. There is no doubt that progress is being made but more can be made. The key area that many Senators have touched upon is the need for regional recovery as well as recovery in the larger cities. I am thinking particularly of rural Ireland. The Minister can make the nation more tax competitive. The World Economic Report has well...