Results 14,721-14,740 of 27,080 for speaker:Richard Boyd Barrett

Leaders' Questions (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: We need clear assurances and action on these matters.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Programme for Government Implementation (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: 6. To ask the Taoiseach the status of the implementation of A Programme for a Partnership Government. [23579/18]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Programme for Government Implementation (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: As fascinating as electoral speculation is, most people in the country are concerned with the capacity of Members to deliver on the issues that matter to them. I have a word of advice for all who are speculating. While I would be happy enough to have an election, nobody will be thanked for bringing about an election prompted by considerations of political advantage rather than clear-cut...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Programme for Government Implementation (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: We need a clear commitment, as called for by Mr. Mel Reynolds, that public land will be utilised for public housing.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I move amendment No. 5:In page 4, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following:“(2) Section 15(2) of the Act of 1998 is amended by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (g): “(h) in performing the functions conferred on it, and notwithstanding subsection (2)(b), a board shall uphold equal respect and dignity for all pupils, regardless of religion,...

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I moved amendment No. 5 but I should also have moved amendment No. 30.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I bow to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's knowledge of procedure.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The Minister will respond and then there will be another round.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: On a point of order, I have had my seven minutes and then it goes back to the Minister and then all Members here get two minutes. Then there is the last two minutes.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Where are the atheist schools?

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I accept a number of positive points made by the Government and other Deputies who will not support this amendment, but I will press it because that is the right thing to do. The fudge that the Government has devised does not address the current system's fundamental unfairness vis-à-vischildren. My obligation is to propose what I believe is in the best interests of children, and no...

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I agree. Gaelscoileanna, ETBs, national schools and so on compete against one another. It is ridiculous. The way to address that is by separating church and State. The question of Irish language schools, which we should have, is a different matter, but it should not be intertwined with religious competition or competition over denomination. It is crazy. This is the way we have to go.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: We have to reform the whole business completely. Educate Together is the best model to do that, but it is probably not the last word. Educate Together itself would agree. The problem is that religion is cutting across the State's obligation to provide unbiased education.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I accept what Deputy Michael Collins said about resources. Pupil-teacher ratios are important and we need to have targets to reduce them substantially. I accept that there are issues with teachers' pay, resources, capitation grants and so on. I would not minimise the impact segregation can have on children or the pressure being put on children. Are we not dealing in this Chamber with the...

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I have a query from somebody who believes there has been an arbitrary refusal to admit a child to a school. This is an ongoing issue. The child alleges that she has been and is being very badly bullied online and in the school. A transfer has been sought to another school where it is believed she could get away from the bullying. The parents are worried about her possibly being suicidal...

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I move amendment No. 30:In page 13, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following:“Amendment of section 30 of Act of 1998 8. Section 30 of the Education Act 1998 is amended by the insertion of the following subsection after subsection (2):“(2A) In order to afford equal respect and dignity to all pupils, regardless of religion, ethnicity or family background, and to uphold...

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I move amendment No. 37:In page 14, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following:“61. (1) Section 7(3)(c) of the Act of 2000 is deleted.”.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I move amendment No. 39:In page 15, to delete lines 21 to 29.

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It is a reasonable proposal. I had not really tuned into this particular debate, but it is a reasonable request to make if the fear - if I understand it correctly - is that fluent speakers will not be able to gain access to Irish speaking schools. As I am concerned by anything that smacks of exclusion or elitism, I do not want to support anything like it. It is a reasonable request that...

Education (Admission to School) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2018)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It is great the Minister has agreed to come to a consensus view and accept the suggestion. I will have to have a considered discussion with my colleagues about this. I have learned a good deal from the discussion. It is absolutely critical that we consider those people who make a significant effort to achieve fluency, including the many people who may not speak it in the home but are...