Results 421-440 of 468 for speaker:Liam Fitzgerald

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: I humbly suggest to the Minister, as he has the opportunity to do so, that we could achieve the objective of continuity for our chairs, to which all councils aspire, for reasons of effectiveness and efficiency and proper representation for councillors on the floor of the council chamber and at the same time retain the present system. In the event of any fears people may have about a chair...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: Let them be the guinea pigs.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: Did it start with Longford?

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: I deeply resent the suggestion that the councillors of Dublin be used as guinea pigs by the Member from Longford. This amendment is extremely divisive. That Dublin and Cork should be used as guinea pigs for a pilot system is unacceptable. There are huge implications for democracy and for our councillors. Our councillors in Dublin are being told that they have to take a step back and that the...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: I welcome the Minister once again and commend him for his commitment to the passage of this important Bill. Senators appreciate the time and commitment he is giving to our deliberations on it. Certain cynics have put it about that this is a minor step compared with what was flagged but we know to the contrary. The Bill is a significant step in the process of local government reform. However,...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: It is better than the stuff Senator Bannon produces.

Seanad: Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements. (4 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: I also welcome the Minister of State and endorse the sentiments and commendations extended to him. Equally, I commend Senator Maurice Hayes for chairing the forum, which has been widely praised. Some of the questions I had wished to put to the Minister of State have already been asked. I am heartened by his reply in respect of tax harmonisation. I am delighted that he has again affirmed that,...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: I am not as well read as the Senator.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: On a point of order—

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: Can the Senator read faster?

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: Will the Leader ask the Minister for Education and Science to come before the House to debate the radical reorganisation he has already set in train in his Department, particularly in the light of the Cromien report published a number of years ago in which some key recommendations were put forward? A number of community-based structures were set up by the Government in recent years, but the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Feb 2003)

Liam Fitzgerald: There was widespread surprise at the announcement on "Morning Ireland" by the general secretary of IMPACT that there is a dispute between education welfare officers in Dublin and the Education Welfare Board. To the best of my knowledge, this morning's announcement is the first indication of the dispute. Those who have been directed and given guidance and who are, therefore, empowered and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: Senator Hayes was very envious at the time. (Interruptions.)

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: Does the Leader agree that the Minister for Education and Science's intention is to conduct an audit and wide-ranging review of all special needs in the education system? Does she also agree that if Senators had listened to the INTO representative this morning, they would have established that ongoing consultations have taken place with the union representing teachers in the special needs...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: Does the Leader also agree that our pupil-teacher ratio would stand up to any European comparison?

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: I ask the Leader to comment on two issues relating to third level education. If proof was needed that the abolition of third level education fees has not improved access to third level from the ranks of the disadvantaged, it has become available today with the publication of official figures from the Department of Education and Science which show that 2% of students who avail of third level...

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: "–noting the Government's commitment towards improving school accommodation as demonstrated by the fourfold increase in funding for primary buildings since 1997; –noting the dramatic expansion of the school building and refurbishment programme at primary level; –noting the intention of the...

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: I sympathise with any community whose school has been delayed in receiving urgent remedial refurbishment, as I am sure do the Minister of State, the Minister, the Government and anyone with care for education and the needs and demands of local communities. Senator Brian Hayes made a point about diverting massive resources to deal with the 400 schools on the lists. Lists are nothing new from...

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: The union has a legitimate right – a duty – to publish lists. I am sure the Minister and the Government would love to divert massive resources to deal with the schools on the list, but it is a matter of making choices. I want to outline a few principles to the House, and the Opposition in particular, about making choices and prioritising. We must face a few unpalatable facts. It has been...

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Liam Fitzgerald: We are talking about a Government with a proud record of achievement since 1997.