Results 481-500 of 5,572 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Mr. McNulty. Would Ms Hoey like to respond?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Ms Hoey. The whole reason we are having this debate is the systematic under-funding in third level over the last number of years, particularly given the increase in the number of students. Having listened to the presidents of the universities and institutes of technology in regard to the huge pressures they are under at this time, the debate is very relevant. We need to have it and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank all six witnesses for coming before the committee today. We have had a very productive and informative morning and we have certainly learned a lot from the engagement on both sides of the argument. The insights and observations of the witnesses are hugely valuable in terms of the deliberations we will have to make over the coming months. Thank you again.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Tony Donohoe, director of education at the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, IBEC, Mr. Richard Kennedy, deputy president of the Irish Farmers Association, Ms Patricia King, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Mr. James Doorley, deputy director of the National Youth Council of Ireland, Ms Michelle Murphy, research and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Will members indicate if they have any questions? It is clear that IBEC is in favour of the student loan system. Does Mr. Tony Donohoe see any advantages to this? How could it be addressed? I note Mr. Richard Kennedy's concern about the inclusion of farming land in a means assessment. As a farmer's daughter, I totally agree with him. Does that mean he is in favour of a student loan...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I will hand back now to Ms Patricia King.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Yes. I ask Mr. Richard Kennedy to respond particularly on the IFA's position on whether it would support an income contingent loan scheme.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I ask Mr. Tony Donohoe to respond.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Thank you very much, Mr. Donohoe. Thank you all for your responses. Now we will go to the final three contributions of the day. The first is from James Doorley, deputy director of the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I call Ms Michelle Murphy, the research and policy analyst in Social Justice Ireland.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: We have a vote at 12.50 p.m.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: We did not receive Professor Hegarty's written submission before the start of this meeting. We would appreciate it if he could forward it to us. We will ensure all the members get it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: In that case, there has been some communications challenge in regard to it. I thank Professor Hegarty. He has certainly stated the elephant in the room in a very straightforward way. That is the reality of the situation we are facing. I thank Ms Michelle Murphy for her holistic approach to setting out the issues in regard to education and where education fits into society. Does she see...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Higher Education Funding: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Mr. James Doorley for his contribution. On behalf of all members, I thank each of our six witnesses for coming before us this morning. It was a very productive and informative session. The witnesses took a holistic approach to setting out the issues in respect of education and where education fits in terms of society. Their insights were very valuable. It was good to have a...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Defence Forces Properties (13 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to develop lands in the area of the Defence Forces training centre on the Curragh to enhance relationships with the local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39823/16]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Defence Forces Properties (13 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The fact that the Curragh is home to the Irish Defence Forces is a matter of great pride for the people of Kildare. We appreciate the great history attached to it, particularly this year when all the personnel received commemorative medals. However, the Defence Forces training centre is not a military base in isolation; it is home to a community that was once full of thriving businesses,...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Defence Forces Properties (13 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: With the greatest of respect to the Minister of State and the forum, there are many more areas that the forum needs to consider. I acknowledge that there are really wonderful community groups within the camp and surrounding areas. The personnel of the Defence Forces engage with them, particularly in regard to the Curragh PRIDE resource centre. I was delighted to have some of the ladies...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Defence Forces Properties (13 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I appreciate that and I will take the Minister of State up on his kind offer. There are a number of shops and businesses in the camp that are empty and no longer of use. It is very unfortunate that these have closed and have now become very unsightly. We need to consider a regeneration programme for the Curragh. The Minister of State has assured us here on a number of occasions that...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (13 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 61. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which partnerships have been encouraged between the Defence Forces and the private sector in the County Kildare area with a view to increased research, innovation and enterprise development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39822/16]

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Agencies Data (13 Dec 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 64. To ask the Taoiseach the number of State boards under the remit of his Department or its agencies in tabular form; the total number of members of each board; the number of women on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of women. [39352/16]