Results 14,421-14,440 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: State Response to Recent Spike in Covid-19 Cases (Resumed) (26 Aug 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I will raise that with the Minister in the Dáil or by parliamentary question. I welcome his comments. Two issues that have upset me the most, most of my constituents and indeed most of the country. One concerns the man and his stepson ,both of whom lived in Kilbrew nursing home and both of whom died. We heard the appalling description of the maggots on the poor man's face and the...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: State Response to Recent Spike in Covid-19 Cases (Resumed) (26 Aug 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is my whole point.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: State Response to Recent Spike in Covid-19 Cases (Resumed) (26 Aug 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: If I could intervene. HIQA is the regulator. It did not regulate and did not act. It cannot be the decision maker in this. This is why we need an independent inquiry. I can send evidence to the Minister that may help him to make up his mind on that.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: State Response to Recent Spike in Covid-19 Cases (Resumed) (26 Aug 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: HIQA was the regulator of the home and it did not do its job.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: State Response to Recent Spike in Covid-19 Cases (Resumed) (26 Aug 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister's point-----

Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020: Second Stage (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome this legislation. From listening to the debate for the past hour or so, I sense a real consensus among all of us in this House to seek to move forward together. That consensus reflects the skill of the Minister and her Department in listening to the public, co-operating with Members and taking on board views from Deputies of different parties and none to arrive at the best plan to...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I want to praise teachers, parents and indeed the children themselves who have really reacted positively to going back to back to school in these most difficult times. The happy families that are contacting me are probably best epitomised by a parent of a student who is going to St. Mary's parish primary school, Bryanstown in Drogheda. Last week there was a one-to-one between every parent...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: With respect, the point I am making is that the number of students in the school about which I am talking has actually reduced by ten and that the penalty it has suffered as a result is the loss of two teachers. That is not acceptable. I appreciate the points Ms Magner has made.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: With regard to this issue, I have found it very hard to get officials to listen to some of these complaints, which are genuine and heartfelt. The children in the schools where this is happening are being penalised.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: Of course our Government can address it but when I try to address this issue through the official channels - I am talking about civil servants - I cannot get anybody to listen. That is why I am saying the unions need to be more assertive. I will do my best. That is why I am raising the issue here. I need the unions to do so as well.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the Minister and recognise the time and attention she, her Department and all teachers, parents and children are giving to preparing for the return to school every single minute and every single hour. I recognise the significance of that. I particularly think of families who have members going to school for the first time. Different people have different experiences but I met a...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I was not aware from this morning's contributions that there was total transparency - perhaps there is - regarding the point the Minister made there that they will err on the side of the person with the condition. Is that available in writing? That is a very important issue which goes to the heart of teachers going into the classroom. I acknowledge the Minister's integrity on the issue. I...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I reiterate to the Minister the concern that was expressed this morning. I am not an expert and know nothing about the company she mentioned. I would like to see an independent medical expert with specialist knowledge appointed by the HSE. I am not saying that the people the Minister is talking about do not have that knowledge. It is just a deep concern.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I just make the point-----

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: ----- strongly to the Minister.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: An issue arises as a result of the Covid. I mentioned the case of a child with an exceptional disability. They have been assessed and the school, medical personnel and the family believe they need a full-time SNA. The appeal has been turned down by the Department with what is called an SNA exceptional review to take place. However, because of Covid it has not taken place. Neither the...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Department is aware of it.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: My last question is on the impact of Covid on enrolment policies and numbers. One school in my constituency, Rampark national school, which lost ten pupils following the opening of a new national school in the area has lost two teachers as a result. St. Patrick's national school in Harestown has 197 pupils but needed to have 201 and all classes are now overcrowded as a result....

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I accept that.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Covid-19: Review of the Reopening of Schools (Resumed) (2 Sep 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am sorry but could the Minister please repeat that last bit?