Results 881-900 of 1,013 for speaker:Colette Kelleher

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: Ireland's record on combatting racial discrimination under the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, CERD, is under scrutiny by the UN in Geneva this week. In his opening address to the UN committee, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Stanton, stated that "Ireland has also looked outwards with regard to its international obligations...

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Business of Joint Committee (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: We have received apologies from Deputy Ó Cuív, who will not be able to make the meeting today. Deputy Corcoran Kennedy is running a little bit late. We have many people to see, including two Ministers. I propose we now go into private session to deal with some housekeeping matters. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: I welcome Members and any viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV. I also welcome our visitors in the Gallery, some of whom have already made presentations to this committee. Today is our final session of four on the issue of education. We have already listened to Ms Catherine Joyce of Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group; Ms Eileen Flynn of the National...

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: We will now hear from Ms Farrell and Ms McDonagh Clark.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: I thank Ms McDonagh Clark for both her professional perspective and her personal story. I call Ms Ryan to make her opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: I congratulate Ms Ryan on the strategy announced last week. Some people who were meant to attend last week's committee meeting were at that launch, meaning we were in competition with each other for participants. The initiative is very welcome.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: I thank Ms Bailey for highlighting the importance of further education as well as higher education as part of the pathways of access to education by Travellers. I invite Mr. Melia to make his opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: We need to hear from other people as well

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: A question was put to Ms Bailey. She mentioned Yellow Flag and Tobar. Both presented to us last week and said that they were worthwhile initiatives that were funded on a wing and a prayer. We are alive to the fact that the Department is mentioning them as positives but that they are not on a secure footing.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: That is something that we can take up in a recommendation.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: Yes, but briefly. I am anxious that all members get a chance to ask questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: Senator Coffey asked specifically about an action plan on further education and other members asked about community education. What is Ms Sheehan's commentary on this as well as on welcoming these steps in higher education?

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: I ask Mr Melia to address the points-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: -----made by Senator Coffey on the role of the ETBs.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: There is no reason mainstream funding and specific supports cannot be targeted at DEIS schools. It should not be either-or.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: We have got into a binary way of thinking. As stated by Senator Ruane, we have to face the fact that we have a failed system in respect of Travellers. The facts speak for themselves. It is not that efforts are not being made; it is that they are not working or not working fast enough. We cannot get away from that. The next speaker is Deputy O'Loughlin, who will be followed by Deputy Joan...

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: I must ask the Deputy to put a question. We are stuck for time because the Minister is due before the committee at 12.30 p.m.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: The Deputy's question is relevant to the Department and the community education sector. I invite Ms Sheehan to respond first.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: NTRIS has been doing that since 2017 and we are now in 2019. Only another two years remain, so we need to ensure those actions in NTRIS are being progressed.

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Education: Discussion (Resumed) (3 Dec 2019)

Colette Kelleher: We have heard a litany of comments regarding good ideas but failed delivery regarding Traveller education. I call Ms Farrell to respond.