Results 2,481-2,500 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Written Answers — Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme: Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (9 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The situation referred to by the Deputy relates to a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course. Conditions of approval for PLC courses require that certification on completion of the programme is appropriate, e.g. FETAC Level 5 Certificate or FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Certification of the course referred to by the Deputy is...

Written Answers — Departmental Contracts: Departmental Contracts (9 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: My Department procures a wide range of goods, services and works. These range from goods and services procured in connection with my Department's operational requirements to procurement in connection with major programmes of expenditure such as the schools capital programme. The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and would require a significant allocation of staffing...

Written Answers — Departmental Contracts: Departmental Contracts (9 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am aware that the company to which the Deputy refers was contracted by my Department to build a number of schools as part of my 2008 "rapid delivery" programme in developing areas. The construction of the schools under the programme was procured by my Department under design and build contracts. My Department's contractual relationship in each case was with the main contractors. In...

Written Answers — Third Level Courses: Third Level Courses (9 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The number of students enrolled in universities and Institutes of Technology in agriculture, fisheries and food courses in the academic years 1998/1999 to 2007/2008 is included in the table. Final numbers of students taking these courses in the current academic year is not yet available. It should also be noted that graduates from other disciplines may also find employment in these...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 474 and 492 together. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has identified a suitable site for the school referred to by him. Contracts for the acquisition of the site have been received and are being examined by the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) which acts on behalf of the Department on property related matters. The Deputy will appreciate that...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from...

Written Answers — Teaching Qualifications: Teaching Qualifications (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: As I outlined to the Deputy in June, there is a set of common criteria for entry to courses leading to qualification as a primary teacher, which includes certain Leaving Certificate requirements. Applicants for the approved Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching) and the Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education must have the following academic qualifications: (a) an honours...

Written Answers — School Staffing: School Staffing (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: Based on the information provided by the school to my Department, the level of learning support teaching in the school in question will not change in the forthcoming school year. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating additional resource teachers...

Written Answers — Institutes of Technology: Institutes of Technology (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology. The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it also impacts on the future...

Written Answers — Higher Education Sector: Higher Education Sector (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together. The process to develop a new national strategy for higher education is being led by a High Level Steering Group chaired by Dr Colin Hunt which draws on national and international expertise. Membership of the group is listed below. The group has met on four occasions since its launch in February 2009. The process is expected to be...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future school years. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to...

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: In 2002, the Department received an initial application for large scale capital funding to provide for suitable ancillary accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy. An updated application was received in September 2007 seeking funding for a major extension to include additional classroom accommodation. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project,...

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years. The area referred to by the Deputy will be included in this process. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The school to which the Deputy refers, is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 1 submission (Site Suitability, Site Report, Initial Sketch Scheme) is currently being reviewed by my Department. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage to construction phase will continue to be considered in the context of my...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 2A submission(developed sketch scheme) was approved by my Department in March 2009. In February, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The Deputy will understand that it is not...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school building. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. I recently met with a deputation from the school to discuss its accommodation needs and I am aware that the Patron has donated a site for the provision of a new school building. The deputation was advised that the Forward Planning Section of my Department...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future school years. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (8 Jul 2009)

Batt O'Keeffe: As the Deputy may be aware, I announced in September 2008 that the project for the school in question was to proceed to re-tender and construction. My Department's Building Unit is currently awaiting a Stage 2B (Detailed Design) submission, to comply with the new form of Government Construction Contract. Once it is received and examined, my officials will be in contact with the school...