Results 18,201-18,220 of 19,032 for speaker:Ruairi Quinn

Leaders' Questions (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: Through the Chair, the Deputy asked me a specific question. I understand the resignation was communicated to the Taoiseach some time in the early afternoon after the then Minister, Deputy Shatter, had read chapters 1, 9 and 20 of the report. On that basis, everything else moved very quickly. As to the precise time the Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, knew what and when, the Deputy...

Leaders' Questions (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: I never cease to be amazed at the warm affection and motherly concern expressed by Deputy McDonald for the well-being and future of the Labour Party. I cherish it deeply and know that we are well liked and minded by the Deputy and that if we ever start to go astray she will, in a careful way, look after us. We should await publication of the Guerin report, which is currently being redacted...

Leaders' Questions (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: This Government moved with extraordinary alacrity to deal with these matters in a united way. On 27 February, it commissioned the Guerin report, in respect of which eight weeks in terms of completion were provided, which timeframe, give or take a few days, has been met. The report will be published tomorrow. Previous Administrations set up public inquiries that lasted for 14 years and cost...

Leaders' Questions (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: I am told it is expected imminently. When the time is right we will have a full discussion on the reports and will take whatever actions require to be taken as a consequence.

Leaders' Questions (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: The Patten report, which was published many years ago, had approximately 266 recommendations. Approximately 16 of them referred specifically to the nature of the divided society in Northern Ireland and were particular to that part of United kingdom and all the divisions with which we are familiar. The remaining 250 were the best types of recommendations one could possibly have for a Garda...

Leaders' Questions (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: Every Deputy in this House would share the concerns the Deputy has expressed. Let us work together to put in place, on the basis of everything that has happened in recent months and years, dating back to previous Dála, the kind of police or Garda authority that the country requires in the second decade of the 21st century, and protection for whistleblowers, wherever they work in the...

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: It is proposed to take No. 23, Central Bank Bill 2014 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. Tomorrow's fortnightly Friday business will be No. 48, Open Adoption Bill 2014 - Second Stage, and No. 11, report on the general scheme of the Gender Recognition Bill 2013.

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: Deputy Martin observed that we have just had the shortest ever debate on the appointment of a new Minister. That is a matter for this House. While other people may have wanted to speak, I understand from the Chief Whip there was no request for extra time. The House was informed last night by the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe. We have given extra time in the past and that time has not...

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: Okay, but we do not normally discuss Whips' business over the floor. I note the former Minister, Deputy Shatter, did not read the entire report, as he said himself, because of its length. If the general view is that we want to have a debate next week and that sufficient time to read the report and digest it has passed, I am sure that matter can be settled by agreement.

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: With regard to the second question, I can assure the Deputy the lobbying Bill will be taken this session. With regard to the Bethany Home issue which she raised the last time I took these questions, I will communicate her remarks to new Minister for Justice and Equality.

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: With regard to the Cooke report, although the Deputy may not have been in the House, as I said earlier, the note I have is that it will be published imminently. The request to former Mr. Justice Cooke to do this work was made on 19 February, so he has it less than three months. In regard to the Legal Services Regulation Bill, this is complex legislation, as the Deputy knows better than I...

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: On the two earlier matters, the question of time allocation in this House is a matter for the Whips and the House in terms of how it deals with its affairs. I do not have a role in that regard. With regard to the teacher unions, I would love them to come in to talks and to explore with the Department and myself how we can make progress. I have listened to and am aware of their concerns,...

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: Self-evidently, the Taoiseach will deal with this matter himself, and it is a matter for him. I can assure the Deputy it is not the intention, as I understand it, for him to retain indefinitely the responsibility for the Department of Defence.

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: I understand that the banking committee motion will come before this House next Wednesday. The comments and suggestions for change made by Deputy Mathews would be more appropriate when that motion is before this House.

Order of Business (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: The pre-legislative consultation took longer than was anticipated. I am informed that the Bill will be taken later this session.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: My Department is currently considering how the accommodation needs of the school, referred to by the Deputy, can be addressed. In that regard, the recent visit by my Department's Inspectorate will assist in that process. My Department expects to be in touch with Donegal ETB in respect of the College, in question, shortly.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Staffing (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: The contractual position in respect of the working hours of SNAs is as outlined in their contracts of employment which were agreed with the school management authorities and the relevant Trade Unions representing SNAs (IMPACT and SIPTU) prior to their introduction in 2005. Links to the SNA Contracts of Employment are as follows:Department of Education and Skills Circular SNA 12/05...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. The policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Staff Remuneration (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: The employer of the person to whom the Deputy refers was informed by my Department's Payroll Division on 21 March 2014 that, as the requirement for continuous service outlined in circular letter 0034/2009 had not been satisfied, a Contract of Indefinite Duration could not be awarded in this case. There is an appeals procedure which may be availed of as set out in circular letter 0034/2009...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Capitation Grants (8 May 2014)

Ruairi Quinn: I propose to take questions Nos. 60 to 63, inclusive, together. My Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools and post primary schools within the free education scheme. My Department provides funding to all recognised primary schools by way of per capita grants. Enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs...