Results 4,961-4,980 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe
- Higher Education Strategy. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly in regard to the process of developing a new national strategy for higher education. It is envisaged the process will be led by a high level steering group which will provide business, student, wider community and international perspectives. Senior officials from key Departments will also participate. The development of a national strategy...
- Higher Education Strategy. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: There has been no mention of any person to chair this committee. I have never discussed the chairmanship of this committee with anybody and I was never privy to any information that a particular person was being proposed for it. It was news to me when I read the newspaper article that a particular person was mentioned. With regard to the chairmanship, I agree we need somebody of outstanding...
- Higher Education Strategy. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: Having committed to the strategy, I thought it appropriate in the first place that I have a look at the budgetary parameters and the financial framework. I also wanted to have an opportunity for in-depth discussions with various people relating to the higher education strategy. I will not be looking at one in isolation of the other; both issues will be considered in tandem. I see in-depth...
- Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The subjects social, personal and health education, physical education and home economics at second level cover, among elements of the syllabus, the areas of healthy eating and the food pyramid, healthy lifestyle, physical health, body care, exercise, relaxation and diet. They are evaluated in schools by the inspectorate using indicators specific to primary and to second level schools as...
- Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I cannot comment on individual schools. It is appropriate that I mention here that at all times I was open to having discussions with the various education partners. When they came to meet me, they indicated they may have some suggestions and I indicated to the education committee that discussions were going on in the background. I bring it to the attention of the Dáil that those...
- Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: No. The Deputy asked me about substitution and the difficulties in terms of sports, games and the operation of schools. We have held discussions with the Joint Managerial Body for Secondary Schools, JMB, and the second level teachers' unions are aware of the suggested agreement.
- Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: In light of a full review, I am prepared to invest â¬2.7 million in the system between January and June to complete discussions. It has been indicated to me that the schools will be able to live within these parameters.
- Obesity Levels. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: No. The JMB and everyone involved in the constructive negotiations have indicated to me that â¬16 million in savings can be found in a full year. I will invest â¬2.7 million. We will continue our discussions during the coming school year and arrive at a satisfactory conclusion within the parameters. In terms of the constructive negotiations, having left the door open for discussion and...
- School Accommodation. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building was received in April from the school referred to by the Deputy. This was the first such application from the school. On foot of it and information supplied by the school regarding its condition, officials from the planning and building unit of my Department visited the school in June. Consequently, â¬26,862...
- School Accommodation. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy will understand that the letter to the school needed to be sent through the Secretary General, who is subject to the Comptroller and Auditor General. Some â¬33,917.44 was provided between 2003 and 2007. According to the information to hand, only â¬19,000 can be accounted for, leaving a potential balance of â¬14,610. During the 2007-08 school year, a new security camera was...
- School Accommodation. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: If five small schools are situated within two miles of each other, it is appropriate to ask whether there is a possibility that they might amalgamate. We asked the board of management of the school in question to consider the possibility of an amalgamation. It is a matter for the board of management to decide whether such an amalgamation would be appropriate.
- School Accommodation. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I am actually adhering to that policy. If a number of small schools are located in the same area, the first option we would consider is whether they might be amalgamated and whether improved facilities might be put in place. That is an appropriate and proper way to operate. The application in respect of the school in question was received in April last. The board of management at the...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I am concerned by the newspaper report to which the Deputy refers. This matter serves as a timely reminder of the importance of carrying out adequate checks when school staff are being recruited. The recruitment and selection of staff whether for teaching or other positions in a school rests with boards of management, as employers. Good practice should involve the checking of recent...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I would not like the Deputy to impute that I am in any way not treating this matter seriously. I was quite concerned by the newspaper article to which the Deputy referred. This matter serves as a timely reminder of the importance of carrying out adequate checks when school staff are being recruited. I have asked my officials to bring to the attention of all schools the difficulties to...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy Quinn will accept that the Department cannot micromanage schools and that schools are responsible for employing teachers. I take very seriously our responsibility to emphasise to all schools the importance of vetting all applicants. I recently took part in a trade mission to China.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: One of the issues raised with me during my visit was that relating to the status and standing of universities. I have decided that the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will be given responsibility for registering all institutions that offer courses through their so-called international schools. We must ensure that the high quality of education provision associated with Ireland...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I have decided not to introduce that legislation. Responsibility for registering international schools will be conferred on the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. I will set out clear parameters in respect of this matter. Enterprise Ireland is doing such a good job in the context of marketing that I am of the view that responsibility in this regard should remain with it. I know...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The Teaching Council is responsible for registering teachers and ensuring they have the required qualifications to do their job. I am sure Deputy Brian Hayes is not suggesting I duplicate that process within the Department of Education and Science.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I am not going to do that. I do not have with me the information in respect of the number of unqualified teachers currently in the system but I will forward it to the Deputy. We are anxious to ensure we reduce dramatically the number of unqualified teachers in our schools. Some of the unqualified teachers in our system have been doing excellent work. The schools in question are satisfied...
- Residential Institutions Redress Scheme. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The primary function of the redress board is to provide financial redress to persons who, as children, were abused while resident in industrial schools, reformatories or other institutions subject to State regulation or inspection. The closing date for receipt of applications was 15 December 2005 by which time the board had received 14,513 applications. The board has received a total of...