Results 2,581-2,600 of 19,032 for speaker:Ruairi Quinn

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Equipment (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The Department considers that while it is important to display the principle of computer controlled equipment, this can be achieved using a wide range of tools and there are other pieces of equipment on the Department's equipment list that meet the same educational purpose allowing students to observe and use modern technology in the working of materials. Students are not disadvantaged by...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Patronage (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I can confirm that my Department has not received any proposals from the Patron in relation to the future accommodation arrangements for the four schools referred to by the Deputy. The initiative for any amalgamation or re-organisation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Boards of Management and patron. Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must involve...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Grant Scheme Eligibility (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The decision on eligibility for a student grant and the rate of grant to be awarded is a matter in the first instance for the awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means, it would not be possible for me to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language Issues (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: My Department's review of education in the Gaeltacht will primarily seek to identify options for the delivery of education in primary and post-primary schools of various linguistic profiles and to clarify policy with regard to teaching through Irish in such schools. In collaboration with the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, it will also look at the impact of pre-school...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language Issues (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The Chief Inspector's report highlights a number of areas in relation to the teaching of Irish where improvement is required and indicates that teachers' competence and confidence in using Irish has an effect on pupils' learning opportunities. While there are no specific requirements for teachers of Irish to undergo refresher courses, all teachers have a professional responsibility to ensure...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Book Rental Scheme (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The Deputy will be aware from Budget 2014 that additional funding has been provided which will involve an investment of €15m to support the establishment of book rental schemes in primary schools that do not currently operate them. The Department will provide €5m in seed capital per annum over a three year period to such schools. I want to achieve a position where every...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Funding (10 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: Details regarding payments from my Department in 2012 and up to 30 November 2013, to bodies that have been granted charitable tax exemption under Section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, are set out in the following table. Excluded from this list are payments made to schools, teacher education bodies or bodies representing groups of educational institutions. Cases where the amount...

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: On the first Bill to which the Deputy referred dealing with pay and conditions, the matter is at a relatively advanced stage. The second Bill to which the Deputy referred is a large piece of legislation on the third level landscape. It will involve provisions to enable existing institutes of technology to merge, if they wish to do so. It will also provide for the requirements for any...

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The all-island gas market Bill is scheduled for next year. The education (admission to school) Bill is with the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection for consultation with interested individuals. I hope I will be in a position to receive a report from the committee early in the new year, with the intention of debating and enacting the Bill some time later in 2014.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I am reliably informed that it is at a very advanced stage and that the target is to try to have it published before the Christmas recess.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I share the Deputy's concerns about the housing difficulties which have become acute throughout the country but particularly in the Dublin area. The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, is bringing forward the heads of a housing Bill before the end of the year and it is hoped to have the Bill published and debated in the House no later than next spring.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I do not know whether the deadline will be met, but I will find out from the relevant Minister and have somebody communicate directly with the Deputy.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The issue of a debate or discussion on the Irish language strategy could be raised by the party Whips at the next Whips' meeting, or Deputy Dara Calleary and the Sinn Féin spokesperson could discuss it with the Chief Whip to see whether time could be made available, either tomorrow or next week but certainly before the recess. With regard to Deputy Dara Calleary's comments on PISA, the...

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I understand Report Stage will be taken next week.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I understand the heads of the Bill will be sent to the Government shortly.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: I understand the Bill will be published next year and that the heads are being discussed by the Government.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: It will be taken next year.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: There is no reference to a health services reform Bill, but there are a number of health Bills. Does the Deputy have a specific Bill in mind?

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: My colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is working extensively on this complex issue. However, I am not sure whether she can bring a measure before the House that soon to deal with the three families referred to. I will raise the matter with her.

Order of Business (5 Dec 2013)

Ruairi Quinn: The Deputy is referring to the programme for Government and the commitment given in it to publish a plan to implement the part of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 that has not yet been brought into operation. Perhaps the Deputy and I know more about this area than other Members of the House. I will await the conclusions of the special group examining the...