Results 8,701-8,720 of 18,496 for speaker:Brendan Smith

University Status (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: I agree with the approach of the Minister. We have discussed previously in the House the utmost importance of safeguarding academic standards. That goes without saying. It is important that the HEA brings in an internationally renowned panel of experts. I know from speaking to members of my political party in the south east and other interested parties that the people in the south east...

University Status (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Coming from south Ulster I am anxious that we drive forward the North-South agenda to a greater degree. Significant numbers of students from Cavan and Monaghan go to colleges in the North, with students from the Six Counties moving in the other direction as well. There is potential to drive that type of cross-Border facilitation forward. Dundalk Institute of Technology has made a huge...

Third Level Staff (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for his reply. It is absolutely deplorable that people in positions of such privilege and leadership in our society did not respond positively to the request made by him and by the former Secretary General, Ms Brigid McManus. Giving a donation to charity, although a positive move in itself, does not adequately meet that request. Why were academic consultants excluded...

Third Level Staff (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: On a related matter, the academic year for most third level institutions finishes relatively soon. The period in which our colleges and their top-class facilities are not in use each year is something of a farce. We are all conscious of the huge investment that took place in universities and institutes of technologies in the past decade or so. Those facilities should be in use for at least...

School Staffing (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: I presume this reply refers to St. Laurence O'Toole's junior boys school.

School Staffing (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: This matter was discussed earlier and my information does not tally with the Minister's response. I will drop him a note tomorrow on this case.

School Staffing (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: I will also double-check the data provided for me.

Teachers' Remuneration (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: I completely agree with the Minister about the need to protect educational standards and that we must continue to invest in teachers. All Members would have received correspondence from and met people of different ages who expect to qualify as teachers shortly. As a result of changing careers, etc., many of these individuals already have substantial mortgage commitments and student loans...

Educational Resources (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for his reply. This pilot scheme applies only to provincial towns that have experienced rapid growth in recent years.

Educational Resources (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Is it confined to an inventory of educational resources alone? Why is the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland involved? This exercise is not being carried out solely by the Department.

Written Answers — School Patronage: School Patronage (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 16: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he supports the recommendation in the report of the Advisory Group on Patronage and Pluralism that stand alone schools be left alone unless they are in areas in which there is a stable population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19380/12]

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 86: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the capital asset implementation group; the assets the group are considering; when the group is expected to report; the next steps once the group have made their recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19685/12]

Written Answers — Enterprise Support Services: Enterprise Support Services (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 108: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts made to date by the State agencies and his Department to protect employment at a plant (details supplied); if he will ensure that all assistance is given to ensure the retention of this employment in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/12]

Written Answers — Industrial Disputes: Industrial Disputes (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 109: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made in relation to the resolution of a long running dispute at a company (details supplied); if the State's industrial relations agencies have been involved in trying to reach a resolution in view of the urgent need to deal without further delay with the concerns of the employees of the company;...

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he proposes to increase the upper limit for grant aid for community projects to be funded under the Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19665/12]

Written Answers — Agri-Environmental Options Scheme: Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (19 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 162: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to re-open the agricultural environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19666/12]

Order of Business (20 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: There was no restriction on the Order of Business.

Sale of State Assets (24 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 117: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if recent discussions with the Troika have impacted on the timetable for the proposed sale of State assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20280/12]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Appeals: Social Welfare Appeals (24 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 431: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for domiciliary care will be approved in respect of a person (details suppled) in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20351/12]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Appeals: Social Welfare Appeals (24 Apr 2012)

Brendan Smith: Question 432: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for domiciliary care will be approved in respect of a person (details suppled) in County Cavan [20352/12]