Results 2,701-2,720 of 5,550 for speaker:Martin Ferris

Pupil-Teacher Ratio (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: I take no comfort from the Minister of State's reply. The population in the Gaeltacht areas in my constituency is declining as a result of emigration. For primary schools with eight classes, the loss of one teacher can mean that those who remain on the staff are obliged to cover a range of classes. Stating that the pupil-teacher ratio in the schools to which I refer is less than 28:1 does...

Pupil-Teacher Ratio (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: The Minister of State is obviously not very well acquainted with the Six Counties. I can understand that because he has hardly ever visited the place. He probably does not even understand who is responsible for funding the Six Counties. In this State, taxpayers - including the Minister of State, me and everyone else in this House - are responsible for funding education.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: The victims of the Government's policy will be school-going children.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Teachers who are removed from the type of schools to which I refer will be employed elsewhere.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: However, the pupils attending those schools will be victimised as a result of the Government's policy and those opposite do not give a good goddamn about that.

Naval Service Operations (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 10: To ask the Minister for Defence the costs of any visits outside of Irish waters by any of the Naval Service vessels during each of the past five years; the locations to which they sailed; and the purposes of these sailings. [6836/12]

Sail Training Scheme (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 20: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has approached the Department of Finance to secure funding to re-establish an Irish sail training vessel. [6837/12]

Sail Training Scheme (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Does the Minister agree that it would be a good idea to utilise the Jeanie Johnston, a vessel built at considerable expense to taxpayers, as an ideal replacement for the Asgard II for the purposes of sail training schemes? The vessel was built in my area and involved a cross-community initiative whereby young lads from both Protestant and Catholic communities in the Six Counties worked...

Sail Training Scheme (8 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: I am disappointed at the brief the Minister has been given in regard to the Jeanie Johnston. The vessel has been tried and tested and only a minimal amount of tweaking would bring it into line with the criteria for sail training. It is a waste of money to have a vessel which cost €15 million to build sitting idle when it could be utilised as a national resource.

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 95: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has directed the Garda Commissioner on the issue of the reduction of personnel in the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6534/12]

Written Answers — Prison Visiting Committees: Prison Visiting Committees (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 98: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding his plans to reform the prison visiting committees; and the way in which new members will be appointed to same. [6533/12]

Written Answers — Hospital Accommodation: Hospital Accommodation (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 517: To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm the number of beds that have closed, or are due to close at the psychiatric ward of Kerry General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6642/12]

Private Members' Business. Community Employment Schemes: Motion (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: I wish to share time with Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. The Minister and her colleagues stated there would be no threat to community employment schemes and that the review being conducted will somehow make up for the taking of two thirds of their funding. It will be interesting to know how the schemes will be able to continue to operate within the constraints of a 66% cut in the overall budget....

Private Members' Business. Community Employment Schemes: Motion (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Why not ask the participants?

Private Members' Business. Community Employment Schemes: Motion (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: The Minister is insulting people.

Private Members' Business. Community Employment Schemes: Motion (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: The cuts deny them opportunities.

Private Members' Business. Community Employment Schemes: Motion (7 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: The Minister has choices.

Local Government Reform (2 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 34: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he intends to introduce any legislation relating to local government reform; if so, when the process will commence; and the consultation that will take place. [5896/12]

Written Answers — Urban Renewal Schemes: Urban Renewal Schemes (2 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 15: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that the Limerick regeneration project is fast-tracked and housing is provided as soon as possible. [5920/12]

Written Answers — Industrial Disputes: Industrial Disputes (2 Feb 2012)

Martin Ferris: Question 117: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to problems involving a company trading under a name (details supplied) and its former employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6017/12]