Results 2,781-2,800 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Industrial Relations (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Teachers spoke about their concerns and about whether the contract would impact on the number of days of tuition expected by the State. I gave clarification that it would not. That is the situation.

Industrial Relations (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: As the Deputy knows, what was written in the agreement referred to the hour that had to be worked by the respective teachers.

Industrial Relations (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: As the Deputy knows, we had a discussion yesterday at the joint committee meeting. We are not in a position to discuss what reductions will take place in the overall budget because we are not yet at that stage.

Schools Building Projects (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding. All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria which were introduced in 2004 following consultation with the education partners. Under the criteria, each project is assigned a band rating which reflects the type of works...

Schools Building Projects (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It was obvious at the time, in 2005, that my predecessor found the school needed investment. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, it did not work out in the devolved scheme in 2005. As the Deputy knows, the situation now is that there has been a huge reduction in the amount of capital available to do this type of work. I would like an opportunity to meet with the Deputy and his...

Schools Building Projects (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I do not take from the need of the school and I beg the Deputy to take that as a response. I appreciate that issues arise where people decide, for one reason or another, that something should not happen. In my view, the devolved scheme is a very good one. Obviously, there were reasons why the board could not progress on it. I would like an opportunity to discuss with the Deputy and his...

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Following a detailed analysis of projected demographic growth over the coming years and consultation with patron bodies, the former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, approved seven new primary schools to open in September in rapidly developing areas. These include three new community national schools in locations in Balbriggan, County Dublin, Navan, County Meath and...

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I am not aware of a letter but I am aware of a consultation and ongoing work. The prima facie of much of this issue has been in establishing the diversity of needs and wishes of the parents that in certain circumstances, those with particular faiths wish their children to be taught within school hours as opposed to outside them. The Deputy asked me to pursue another issue, which I will, in...

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: If matters are referred to the Attorney General, his advice is acted upon. In finally bringing the patronage Bill to the House, my assumption is that the issues to be raised will be clarified. I will seek further clarification and I will speak to the Deputy privately if necessary.

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It is not. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has advised that faith formation is not a curricular issue. These schools were piloted, with their progress evaluated and what I have heard so far does not concur with what was alluded in a "Prime Time" programme as the majority of the parents are very happy with the work and progress of the schools. I have been advised...

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The question is not about the advice given to me in the context of the research work. The issue regards supervision of the teaching of religion. As I indicated, they are not involved in the supervision of the teaching of religion in these pilot schools. It concerns supervision.

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: That is the question I was asked.

Multi-Denominational Schools (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The question concerns the supervision of teaching of religion in these pilot schools.

School Utility Services (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: We have pursued it with him.

School Utility Services (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: As the Deputy knows, the regulator is familiar with my views in my previous incarnation. I will continue to be as vociferous.

School Utility Services (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I have met a number of Irish companies that are in a position to facilitate this type of procurement policy. It is an appropriate way to proceed.

School Curriculum (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 23 together. A high level of mathematical achievement is vital for Ireland. We need to improve attainment levels in maths and encourage more students to take higher level maths. A major programme of reform in mathematics under Project Maths is under way in 24 schools. The overall aim is to teach mathematics in a way that promotes real understanding,...

School Curriculum (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: There are a number of issues. I firmly believe we should give young people an incentive to participate in honours mathematics.

School Curriculum (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: They are important. However, I do not want a situation in which someone who sat a maths exam and got a B1 would move up a grade as a consequence of bonuses. It would remove the integrity of the exam.

School Curriculum (6 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It would not mean that the child had achieved the mark. It is a matter for the universities. I have been explicit in my opinion that I wish to see bonus points for honours mathematics. It is the first recommendation in the report of the innovation task force. I have heard no dissenting voice in the House in this regard. I have explicitly asked the universities to take into consideration...