Results 5,421-5,440 of 5,761 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Professor Deeks is next but Deputy Thomas Byrne has a point of clarification.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I will not be taking any more questions or comments from members as we are running out of time and another group will be coming in directly afterwards.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: It has been a very informative, productive and insightful session and we have learned much from the engagement with witnesses. Professor Nolan's point about needing to thank many people working on the ground is well made, so please pass on the gratitude of the committee for the work being done in universities with our young people. To paraphrase a few points, we must develop a dynamic...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I appreciate that we have kept the witnesses waiting and I apologise for that. We will now have a discussion with the interim CEO of the Technological Higher Education Association and presidents of institutes of technology on the Cassells report. I again wish to place on the record the committee's gratitude to Mr. Peter Cassells, his group and its secretariat for their research, analysis and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Thank you, Professor Ó Catháin. I propose to take the questions from members together before referring back for responses from the individual witnesses. If the witnesses wish to follow up on questions or comments afterwards, we will accept written submissions following the meeting. I will start the ball rolling with questions on the presentation. I commend the sector on having...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Professor Donnelly. It is always interesting to get the perspective of somebody who has worked in an industry and then come back to education. They can see a correlation or otherwise between the two worlds. Do any of the other witnesses wish to speak?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Professor Cunnane for his impassioned plea.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Not at all. I can assure Professor Cunnane that the issue of access comes up regularly for all members regardless of the context or education issue. Realising potential has to be fundamental to our education process, no matter the level.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: That is a fair point well made. On behalf of the committee, I thank all the delegates for taking the time to come in here this morning and convince us of their arguments. They made very compelling arguments and the debate was very informative, productive, insightful and interesting. This morning's deliberations will help us. We have a difficult task, as I am sure the delegates will...

Topical Issue Debate: State Pensions (Contributory) (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am pleased to note work is under way to replace the yearly average system and I hope the new system will be more equitable. The Minister's statement that those who pay more into the pension fund are more likely to receive pay-outs under the scheme is not necessarily correct. Under the averaging system for pensions, specifically the measure introduced by the Minister's predecessor, Deputy...

Topical Issue Debate: State Pensions (Contributory) (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: There is an anomaly in the calculation of the entitlement to the State pension. I put it to the Minister for Social Protection that there is ongoing discrimination against those who have taken time out of their careers to care for children, elderly family members, etc. The practical reality of it is that women are impacted. Since I was elected, women have been calling to my office to tell...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Curragh Plains Representative Forum (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State. I would appreciate the opportunity to see what arose from the meeting on 27 October. I am delighted that the serious issues of illegal camping and dumping were high on the agenda. I had asked that two issues be addressed. I had asked that ambulance cover for jockeys riding out on the Curragh be included, but my request was refused. Jockeys and workers in...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Curragh Plains Representative Forum (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: While I accept that, the issue is about adequate notice for residents in the area. I believe there is a strong will to achieve something positive with the Curragh amenity. I have spoken to many of the stakeholders involved who have great enthusiasm for developing the plains and making them a strong natural feature. I acknowledge the help of Department of Defence officials regarding the...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Curragh Plains Representative Forum (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 14. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the coordination that has taken place in the management of the Curragh Plains since the establishment of the Curragh forum and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33933/16]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Curragh Plains Representative Forum (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: My question concerns the Curragh Plains Representative Forum, for which I was full of hope. I was led to believe that it would bring all the stakeholders in Kildare and the Curragh together for the greater good of the public in Kildare while improving the lot of those who live, work and have leisure time in the Curragh. My question is based on the description that was given in the plans....

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 12. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the report on the well-being of members of the Permanent Defence Force; his plans to address the principal issues which require attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33932/16]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Before I put my question to the Minister of State, I wish to take a moment to pay tribute to Colonel Frank Lawless, the former director of Defence Forces training and education, who passed away in service last month. He was a native of Newbridge and came from a very distinguished military family. He served his country with expertise, dignity and distinction. He was an exemplary member of...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I take note of what the Minister of State has said, but I wish to focus on a number of issues. It is very clear from the survey responses that Defence Forces personnel have become less happy in recent years with their working conditions. There is a very strong perception of a lack of justice in the organisation. It is also clear that there is a disconnect between the expectations of...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I take note of the Minister of State's reply and also commend the Defence Forces for carrying out the climate survey. It is very disconcerting to note, however, that more than 10% of commissioned officers and 25% of enlisted personnel have left the Defence Forces since the 2013 reorganisation. There are significant gaps in capability, expertise and unit manning levels. There are no...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Medical Services (9 Nov 2016)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 32. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the recruitment measures that have been employed to deal with the shortage of medical officers in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33846/16]