Results 5,041-5,060 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The information requested by the Deputy is normally provided on a school year basis. The average level of uncertified sick leave combined for the total cohort of primary teachers was 1.98 days and 2.81 days for teachers in secondary and community-comprehensive schools. The average level of uncertified sick leave, for which substitution cover was claimed, combined for the total cohort of...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: Can I make two points? I do not write editorial headlines. Any information put out was on the basis of the facts. The facts are that I have a serious difficulty with the cost of substitution days, whether for uncertified sick leave, sick leave or other substitution. The costs have grown enormously. I do not have the funds to meet those costs. It is my job to point out exactly the number...
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: It is not one day per year.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: It is over two days.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: It is 2.81 days in the second level and 2 days in the primary, and they teach 163 days of the year.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I will give the facts as they are. The facts are there has been a substantial growth in the cost of substitution, sick days and uncertified sick leave, and we do not have the funding to meet those costs. That is the point that has been made.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: Of course, on the average of the Civil Service, by and large there is no difference across the board.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I have pointed out in every statement I have made that I am astounded by the quality of the teachers in this country and the throughput of education.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: In terms of what I said, on Mondays throughout the school year, there were over 12,500 daysââ
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: That was for 2007.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: In fact, I did the reverse. I asked my Department to contact all the education correspondents to rectify the mistake once I realised that it had been made. If the Deputy was to ask any of these correspondents, he would find that they were contacted to correct any misunderstandings that might have arisen.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I will not allow Deputy Brian Hayes or anybody else to impugn me or imply that I made aspersions against teachers.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy made the remarks today. He implied that I am taking issue with teachers.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: No, I never said that.
- School Staffing. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I have always attested to the quality of our teachers.
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: Class size data for primary schools is compiled by my Department on an annual basis. The source of this data is the annual census of primary schools. Data for each school year is made available when returns for all schools in respect of the year in question have been processed. Schools will not be making returns in respect of the 2009-10 school year until after 30 September 2009 and,...
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I understand the point that the Deputy is making and respect his opinion. I hope, however, he can appreciate that we have a difficulty in this regard. The Department has received 4,300 written and oral questions, which is 13% of the total number of parliamentary questions. The amount of man hours required to answer them is substantial. I am the first to admit that we have to make...
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (4 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: I am aware of the number of questions that are tabled. They reflect a drawback in our system. Since I have taken on this position, I have assigned a dedicated line for Deputies to contact an official in the Department when they have particular issues they want to have investigated. That official is assigned to facilitate Members of this House. I hope we can thereby dramatically reduce the...
- Written Answers — Summer Works Scheme: Summer Works Scheme (3 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: The school in question applied for funding in respect of summer works in 2008. The particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as...
- Written Answers — Foireann Scoile: Foireann Scoile (3 Dec 2008)
Batt O'Keeffe: D'fhógair mo chomhghleacaà comhaireachta, an tAire Gnóthaà Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus an tAire a chuaigh romham Mary Hanafin i Márta 2007 go mbeidh tionscnamh tacaÃochta agus forbartha don Ghaeilge faoi choimirce na Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus GaelscolaÃochta lonnaithe i gColáiste Ãosagáin agus go sannfar ceathrar ball foirne breise don Chomhairle chun na...