Results 5,641-5,660 of 11,114 for speaker:Damien English

Other Questions: School Transport Eligibility (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: We have to be very clear. There has to be a policy and a decision-making mechanism that is fair throughout the country, so that everybody is treated equally. The Deputy wants to blame us. I was trying to point out to him that the policy change was brought in by the previous Government in budget 2011.

Other Questions: School Transport Eligibility (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: The policy change is the right one and is based on the nearest school. The old system meant people had a choice and we had buses traversing all over the countryside. There is a logic to this. The cost of providing school transport goes up every year. It is very expensive and we are trying to manage this as fairly and equitably as we can on behalf of the taxpayers. A previous Government...

Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. The Minister sends his apologies that he is unavailable to take this Topical Issue. He is currently leading a trade mission in the Gulf and India to grow the export markets of Irish companies and ultimately create jobs in Ireland so it was not possible for him to be here with the notice given of this debate. I am very conscious of the anxiety...

Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I would like to respond to a couple of the points made. As the Minister, Deputy Bruton, previously arranged a meeting of all those involved, I am sure there will be no problem in organising another such meeting. The Minister has a good track record in this regard and is willing to engage in constructive debate rather than the type of showmanship that is going on here today.

Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: In regard to Deputy McGrath's question as to whether the Minister is aware of all the issues, the Minister is, of course, well aware of them, and for two reasons.

Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: First, he is the Minister with responsibility for jobs, and second, as a TD, he is very interested in local issues. The Minister has met with management of the company and all of the agencies involved and, as such, he is aware of all of the issues. The issue of a meeting with the workers was raised. An invitation for such a meeting has been issued. There appears to be an issue around...

Self-Employed and the SME Sector: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: We have done it.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Transport Provision (22 Apr 2015)

Damien English: Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes and for the designation of pick-up and set-down points. In this regard, Bus Éireann has confirmed that they received a request regarding an extension to the existing service and they will contact the family in question shortly.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Sports Facilities Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I thank Senator Darragh O'Brien for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to the Seanad the progress on providing sports facilities at Balbriggan community college. The sports hall proposal submitted is a joint undertaking between Fingal County Council and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB, with the site to be provided by the ETB and funding to be provided by...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Sports Facilities Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Damien English: As a colleague in the neighbouring constituency, I am aware of the need for these facilities in the Balbriggan area and the property required. It is a shame that the previous facility was demolished and that there that has been such a long gap in the provision of new facilities. I do not know the history, but I will stress again the urgency of the matter to the officials who are prepared to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further Education and Training Programmes (28 Apr 2015)

Damien English: My Department funds Further Education and Training Courses through SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority. These courses are delivered locally by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The ETBs are responsible for the organisation of courses including meeting and adhering to the award validation requirements for courses. The Department understands that an issue arose with...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects Status (28 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, Minister for Education and Skills. I wish to thank the Senator for raising the matter as it provides me with the opportunity to clarify the current position relating to the application for a new school building in the case of Scoil Naomh Éanna, Bullaun, Loughrea, County Galway. The Senator will be...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects Status (28 Apr 2015)

Damien English: The Department recognises that, due to increased numbers at the school in the past seven or eight years, the accommodation is not suitable, and this is why it has been allowed to progress to the architectural planning stage and to continue to the planning stage. The figures to which I referred were for the future. During the tight budget constraints of the past three or four years, any...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects Status (28 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I would not chance it with Terry.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects Status (29 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I am taking this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan and I thank the Senator for raising it. As she is aware, officials from my Department have been working closely with South Dublin County Council officials in relation to securing a suitable site to facilitate the delivery of permanent school accommodation for Gaelscoil Chnoc...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects Status (29 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I do not have a timeframe for the Senator, but at this stage everyone recognises that it is urgent. The Senator spoke of 15 years, but South Dublin County Council approved the disposal of the site in 2007, which is now seven or eight years ago. Subsequently, issues arose regarding the title and ownership. From the perspective of the Department of Education and Skills, it is not possible to...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Amalgamation (29 Apr 2015)

Damien English: Again, I will answer on behalf of my colleague, the Minister, who could not make it to the House today and who sends her apologies. I thank the Senator for raising this matter. It is an important issue and one that many of us have seen in our own areas. The current policy of my Department in relation to school amalgamations involving DEIS and non-DEIS schools is that where such an...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Amalgamation (29 Apr 2015)

Damien English: If the Senator gives me the details, I will pass them on to the Minister.I know there are specific issues relating to one school and we can get them looked at. The policy must be used equally throughout the country. If any area is missing out on anything, we can get it looked at.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: School Enrolments (29 Apr 2015)

Damien English: I thank the Senator for raising this matter as I welcome the opportunity to explain the position with regard to how new schools are planned and to address the issue of the Glencullen catchment area which the Senator wants to be part of the school feeder area for the proposed new Educate Together post-primary school in Stepaside. First, the school to which the Senator refers is not being...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: School Enrolments (29 Apr 2015)

Damien English: Yes. A school is planned to open in September 2016. People can apply to go any school but our duty is to make sure there is school of choice in their area. When patrons apply to build and run that school, they must then agree to certain criteria. Under those criteria, patrons must commit to enrolling pupils from the geographical areas for whom the school is intended. There are two...