Results 561-580 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

Ann Ormonde: Let us be positive.

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I am tired of negativity. Let us be positive and determine what good can be done through the report.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: Given the very good debate we had on teacher training on Tuesday, I would like it to be continued, particularly in view of the recommendations put forward in the report. Senator Minihan referred to special needs and a debate on that issue would be welcome. I was surprised to hear Senator Ulick Burke refer to the withdrawal of home school liaison officers from second level schools. I have no...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: Many people have called for a debate on the recent job losses and the need to upskill. This led me to consider the role of FÁS. Some of its programmes do not deal with the current situation. I seek a debate to examine the updated position of how FÁS is reforming its programmes to address this issue.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad and second the Government's amendment. When I read the motion, I thought we were dismantling everything in terms of looking at what the Government has tried to do, acknowledging the progress that has been made and accepting that much more needs to be done. We cannot do it overnight. As least, we should, as an old line in a book puts it, "praise...

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: The Opposition is saying this. It has not said anything and has been negative rather than positive about everything, which disturbs me.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I listened very carefully to the Opposition. I will discuss three areas which I know best, namely, school building, class sizes and special needs and disadvantage. It was said that the Department has thrown all the responsibility onto boards of management by giving them the allocations, expecting them to get on with it and that this is the way forward. I was a member of a board of...

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I wish to put a few statistics about class sizes on record. In 1997, the average class size was 27 while the average class size is now 24. I would like it to see it reduced to 15. The aim is to reduce it to 20.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: It does not matter where it is from.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: That is a statement.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: It should be acknowledged that there are 4,000 more teachers than in 2002. That is progress and it cannot be denied. The majority of the extra teachers hired in recent years have been targeted rightly at providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those who need help with English. This is the way forward. That is my interpretation of how class...

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: South Dublin County Council is doing it.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: That is part of the development plan.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: It is in place.

Seanad: Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister. I am very pleased that this Minister is heading up the education position, knowing that she understands and would be the first to state that it is unacceptable that professionals such as herself, myself and Senator Ulick Burke would have to tolerate disruptive behaviour in the classroom. I believe the Minister has a very clear understanding of the matter. We must...

Seanad: Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome that the Minister has moved the issue in this direction, as the appeals system is important. If one clarifies the factors involved before expelling a student or placing him or her on long-term suspension, one introduces new methods, namely, the national support system the Minister intends to introduce to the classroom. After ensuring co-ordination and teamwork, we are in the lap of...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: Or a house.

Seanad: National Climate Change Strategy 2000: Motion (21 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I know we are running short on time, but I would like to share some of my time with my colleague, Senator Daly.

Seanad: National Climate Change Strategy 2000: Motion (21 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I will be brief.

Seanad: National Climate Change Strategy 2000: Motion (21 Mar 2007)

Ann Ormonde: I do not think I will get a chance to say everything I would like to say. A great deal of it has been said earlier in the debate. I congratulate the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on his knowledge. He has spearheaded the Government's climate change strategy, which I welcome. I will speak about the great deal of progress that has been made to date. I do not...