Results 3,841-3,860 of 8,015 for speaker:Jonathan O'Brien

Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I move amendment No. 9:In page 12, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following:“ “Trade Union” means a registered representative body with a negotiation licence.”. This is something we discussed on Committee Stage and which we discussed with the officials. The Minister has taken on board some of our concerns in respect of it, particularly around the trade...

Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: We will not reach agreement on this. That is the reality of Government and Opposition. Genuine concerns have not been addressed and that has led to a situation whereby industrial action is taking place, such as those involved in the Munster technological university proposal. Trade union members feel they have not been listened to or consulted properly. Ultimately, these are the people...

Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: The Minister said at the outset that the policy was one of consolidation of institutes and, I presume, the provision of higher education. However, by bringing in this Bill the Minister is going from a two-tier system involving universities and institutes of technology to a three-tier system involving universities, technological universities and institutes of technology that will not be part...

Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I move amendment No. 1:In page 9, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following:" "academics" means tenured officers of the institute;". I thank the Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and her officials for the briefing we received last week. It was certainly very helpful to us. As a result of the consultation, we will withdraw during the course of this debate some of the amendments we have...

Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I move amendment No. 2:In page 10, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following:" "Department" means academic unit within a school of the institute;".

Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I move amendment No. 3:In page 11, to delete lines 8 to 15. As I am sure the Minister is aware, these amendments would remove all references to the term "merged" or "merged institutions" from the Bill. I know she will argue in her rebuttal that this would defeat the whole purpose of the Bill, but I ask her to hear me out. As she is aware, we are in favour of the introduction of...

Order of Business (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: Between the two political speeches, I thought for a moment the election campaign had already started. I wish to ask about the health information Bill and the patient safety licensing Bill.

Order of Business (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I know they have. Last year, at a meeting of the health committee, the Minister gave a commitment that he would bring forward a Bill which would include a duty of candour and a policy of open disclosure for doctors and other health professionals. It was in response to countless distressing examples of families having to go to court and force health professionals to reveal the facts when...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: Given the lack of time, I will let the Taoiseach respond to the questions.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I asked about the role of the Naval Service.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: As this is my first time substituting, I will need some guidance on timing and so forth.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I will take a leaf out of Deputy Martin's book. The Taoiseach raised a number of points which I would like to discuss. I refer first to the proposed referendum on a British withdrawal from the European Union, also known as Brexit. Following the Taoiseach's meeting with Prime Minister Cameron yesterday, he expressed the view that all of Britain's demands for reform of the EU could be...

Leaders' Questions (26 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: It would get people out of hotels in the short term.

Confidence in Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection: Motion [Private Members] (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: Yes. The Tánaiste, as everyone else, understands the nature of politics. Motions of confidence are put down and the Government will praise her. The Government will vote in favour of the motion and the Opposition will outline all of the Tánaiste's flaws and failings and we will vote against the motion. That is sometimes part of the theatre that goes on in here. However,...

Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs Service Provision (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: I thank the Minister. I recognise there has been a statewide increase of 27% in the provision of places but unfortunately quoting that figure does not reflect the reality on the ground in certain geographic areas and I have provided the Minister with the example of Cork. At present, the closure of two classes in the Cork region is anticipated although I have been unable to confirm why it is...

Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs Service Provision (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: The issue that I raise is one that is close to the Minister's heart. I will focus on the Cork region. I have said to the Minister before that there is a chronic lack of spaces for students with autism in ASD special classes attached to mainstream post-primary schools in the Cork area. At present, there are five mainstream post-primary schools that provide special classes. Nagle community...

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: Get on and call the election, will you?

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: The Taoiseach will not even use the word "crisis".

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: Do not even go down that road.

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2016)

Jonathan O'Brien: He said he did not need it.