Results 1,081-1,100 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Written Answers — Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Pupil-Teacher Ratio (14 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 343: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement detailing her responses to the new campaign by the INTO. [5667/07]

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (14 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 344: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has received communication from South Dublin County Council regarding a land swap involving her Department's school site lands (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the local interest in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5668/07]

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I too am happy to contribute to this debate on the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007. I am glad the Minister is taking the time to be present for the debate, as she always does, because it is important for her to understand the challenges involved and hear from those of us who appreciate her efforts in regard to education. I could talk about my constituency all day.

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: There will always be problems but this Minister has brought her own skills to bear on her office. Her background suits her job. Unlike the Minister, I do not have a teaching background. Without wishing to be soppy, today would have been my mother's birthday and I spent some time thinking about my background which I try to bring to my political life. It may come as a surprise to Deputy...

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I started life in the inner city and attended school with the nuns in Clarendon Street, then went to Synge Street, at a time Gay Byrne describes as "brutal". Children were beaten at that time but I do not have bad memories of my schooldays. I then attended Drimnagh Castle and had no bad times there. In a debate such as this one reflects on those days and how problems were dealt with then....

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Soon after I left school it dawned on me that I missed the school and my teachers. That is an amazing statement. I missed the discipline of school. I have made efforts to return to education, attend evening classes, etc. It is important that——

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I recently met a lady at a coffee morning who informed me that I was a lovely little boy when I lived in Crumlin. However, my sisters say this is not true. I enjoyed school and I still enjoy it. I have a five year old granddaughter who is taking a great deal of interest in school and who wants to draw, learn about the environment, etc. I am a strong believer in the process in that regard....

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: It is important to do the job one was elected to do and that is my aim. That is why I take every opportunity to speak on behalf of my community in this House. I referred earlier to what are perceived as disadvantaged communities. I am not sure that it is always appropriate to consider specific areas in certain constituencies, identify them as being disadvantaged and state that disadvantage...

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Members are entitled to make political points——

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: ——and I have no problem with that. I admire many of my colleagues on the opposite side of the House, whether they are from Galway or Limerick.

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: We should give this Minister the credit she deserves for what she is trying to achieve. She has been progressive in dealing with the issues of concern to all of us and it is important that she hears from all of us. Her efforts regarding educational disadvantage are getting support. Many people will have a different perspective on these issues but I believe she is on the right track. There...

Written Answers — Health Promotion: Health Promotion (15 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 70: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the policies she has in place to encourage active and healthy lifestyles amongst the over 60s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5830/07]

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I should prefer to be in Tallaght waiting to see if Manchester United might score. However, it is important to do one's duty and I was very anxious to contribute to this debate. On a sad note I went to Mass this evening because this is the 25th anniversary of the shooting dead of Garda Pat Reynolds. This is an important debate, and listening carefully to the contributions from across the...

Written Answers — Garda Youth Diversion Project: Garda Youth Diversion Project (20 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 219: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to fund a separate Garda youth diversion project for an area (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on the serious need for this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6062/07]

Written Answers — Restorative Justice: Restorative Justice (20 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 241: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to establish the working group on restorative justice; his views on the particular interest in this initiative in Tallaght where there is a very successful restorative justice service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6430/07]

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (20 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 339: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding proposals to financially assist the childhood development initiative in Tallaght West; if her attention has been drawn to the importance of this project for the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6360/07]

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate. It is traditional on these occasions to compliment the mover of the Bill and I do so sincerely. If Deputy Howlin does not mind, I will compliment him on his efforts in this regard. I often made the point that it is always good to see people in the Visitors Gallery and I am pleased so many are here tonight. It...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: The then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, effectively moved the equality agenda forward by presenting to the House the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000 which put Ireland to the forefront in protecting individuals, including gay people, from discrimination. We have delivered and will do so again. It is because of this track record...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I have supported the track record of Fianna Fáil in improving the status of gay people. Gay and lesbian people are members of our families. They are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. They are our neighbours, constituents and friends. It is not acceptable for them to be treated differently or unfairly. The Government is committed to addressing their needs in a fair...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: There is a major caring crisis facing us. People are having fewer children, while adults have less time for caring duties, both child care and elder care. The Government responds positively to these challenges. A society that encourages more committed family units is a better one. Family units have moved beyond the traditional and reflect modern life. This includes same-sex family units....