Results 1-11 of 11 for segment:1741678 in 'Dáil debates'

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Finian McGrath: Question 119: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide an update on his talks with the three teacher unions (details supplied) regarding his attendance at their Easter conferences. [9887/04]

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Jan O'Sullivan: Question 121: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has declined invitations from the ASTI, INTO and TUI to address their annual teachers conferences in April 2004 unless they agree to his demand to change the format of the conferences; if he accepts that this is a major departure from the traditions established by his predecessors; if he has made alternative plans to...

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 121 together. I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight on the question of my attendance at the forthcoming teacher union conferences. The teacher unions are important bodies in Irish education and it is highly desirable that they should have a significant role in the debate on the major issues facing our education system. It is equally...

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Finian McGrath: Does the Minister accept that the INTO, TUI and ASTI have made and continue to make a major contribution to education and society? Does he agree that teachers are at the front line in the delivery of quality services to pupils, especially children with disabilities or those in disadvantaged areas? Does the Minister accept that the teachers unions should decide the structure of their...

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Noel Dempsey: On at least 30 occasions in the past 12 months, I stated publicly that our education system owes a huge debt of gratitude to all teacher, past and present, for the education system. That is not publicised that often, but I have the records and can stand over it. I have nothing but the height of regard for teachers. I accept that the vast majority of teachers do a good job. Like politicians,...

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Jan O'Sullivan: How much time is left in this slot?

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Séamus Pattison: Three and a half minutes.

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Jan O'Sullivan: I object to the fact that I get only three minutes when I am supposed to share the time. Why did the Minister not discuss this privately with the unions? Why did he deliberately court public confrontation with the unions on the issue of attending the teacher conferences? Would it have been in the spirit of partnership if he had tried to engage with the unions on this issue and perhaps come to...

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Noel Dempsey: While I have never sought confrontation with the unions, I will not back off on a benchmarking agreement which was freely entered into. That is what they did. While I have a duty and a responsibility to teachers, I also have a duty to pupils and parents. I cannot become a spokesman for teachers or any other education interest group except in particular circumstances. I want the effective,...

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Finian McGrath: Which union?

Teacher Union Conferences. (30 Mar 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I will not say in the House. My press office was provided with many quotes as part of an attempt to stir things up. The other two unions went about their business calmly. While the matter came into the public arena, it was not through me. I wanted to make the benchmarking payment to teachers as quickly as possible, but I could not until the agreements with the unions were finalised formally....