Results 5,441-5,460 of 6,728 for speaker:John Curran

Seanad: Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009: Second Stage (21 May 2009)

John Curran: I thank Senators for their contributions to the debate. It is clear the Government's objective of high standards in the provision and delivery of property services, which the proposals in the Bill are designed to achieve, are broadly shared on all sides of the House. I have listened for the last hour and a half to the contributions of Senators and they broadly support the Bill's objectives....

Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (Protection of Debtors) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

John Curran: I will respond on behalf of the Government to Deputy Charles Flanagan's proposed Private Members' Bill. I will begin by responding to one point raised by Deputy O'Mahony, where he made reference to those in prison for the non-payment of fines. This issue is being dealt with specifically in the Fines Bill. It is an appropriate point to make and Deputy O'Mahony was correct to do so but I...

Written Answers — Security of the Elderly: Security of the Elderly (19 May 2009)

John Curran: The Deputy will be aware that the Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April. This was done with a view to affording my Department the opportunity to review its operation over the next few months and re-launching it later in the year. I am hopeful that the review process can begin in May and be completed by mid September.

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (19 May 2009)

John Curran: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 520 to 522, inclusive, on 22 April last and to Question No. 98 on 9 April. My Department, together with Pobal, recently undertook a community consultation which will inform future decisions in relation to the area. In addition, I have agreed proposals that Pobal assign a staff member, in the short-term, to work to develop and support the...

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (19 May 2009)

John Curran: As the Deputy may be aware, a review of the Community Development Programme is currently underway. The issue of resources for the project in question will be considered in the context of this review and resources available to my Department generally.

Written Answers — Security of the Elderly: Security of the Elderly (19 May 2009)

John Curran: The Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April 2009. This was done with a view to affording my Department the opportunity to review its operation over the next few months and re-launching it later in the year. An application was received from the group in question on the 21st April 2009. As with all such applications received after the suspension of the...

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (19 May 2009)

John Curran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 to 314, inclusive, together. DRUGS The South Inner City Local Drugs Task Force includes the Dublin 8 area and funding has been provided through the Task Force to the following groups: Project: Nature of funding: Mercy Family Centre Family Support Worker Whitefriar Street Community Centre Family Support Worker CAP Oliver Bond Family Support Worker...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (14 May 2009)

John Curran: As the Deputy will be aware, I was pleased to announce recently approval in principle for the establishment of a new post-primary school for Kingscourt, County Cavan. In this regard, an examination of the demographics and projected pupil numbers by the Forward Planning Section of my Department satisfied me that a facility for between 300 and 400 pupil places will be sustainable in this area...

Written Answers — School Placement: School Placement (14 May 2009)

John Curran: The new community national schools welcome and respect children of all faiths and none. They recognise and aim to accommodate the wishes of parents to have their children receive religious education within the school day and also cater for parents who do not wish their children to receive religious education based on any one particular faith. Therefore the admission form for the community...

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 May 2009)

John Curran: On behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, I thank Deputies for the comprehensive manner in which they have contributed to the debate on this important Bill. In particular, I will relay the points made by Deputy Barrett on the make-up of the board to the Minister. I listened to what he said and notes of it have been taken. We all acknowledge the importance of our...

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (14 May 2009)

John Curran: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Transport, in accordance with Standing Order 122(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (13 May 2009)

John Curran: The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain temporarily in the State for a three year period, to 1 July 2011. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 1 July 2008.

Written Answers — Security of the Elderly: Security of the Elderly (13 May 2009)

John Curran: I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions 68 and 69 on 29 April 2009. As indicated in that reply, the Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April in order to afford my Department the opportunity to review its operation. I met with representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older people and I have agreed with them a process that will set...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 May 2009)

John Curran: An application for funding under the programme of grant support for locally based community and voluntary organisations has been received from the group referred to by the Deputy. This particular programme was suspended at the end of February and it has not been possible to approve funding for the project. All projects have been contacted to inform them of this position.

Written Answers — Security of the Elderly: Security of the Elderly (12 May 2009)

John Curran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 307 together. I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions 68 and 69 on 29 April 2009. As indicated in that reply, the Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April in order to afford my Department the opportunity to review its operation. I met with representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older...

Written Answers — Security of the Elderly: Security of the Elderly (12 May 2009)

John Curran: My Department has operated the Scheme since mid-2002. In excess of €20m has been provided since then to community and voluntary organisations with an estimated 60,000 older people benefiting from the scheme. The Department does not provide funding to the providers of personal security devices. All funds under the scheme are provided to community groups, which are responsible for...

Special Educational Needs: Motion (Resumed) (7 May 2009)

John Curran: Yesterday, the Minister for Education and Science clearly set out the Government's commitment to meeting the needs of children with special educational needs. The Government's track record over the past decade in providing substantial additional resources, including in particular extra teachers, special needs assistants, assistive technology funding and special school transport arrangements,...

Special Educational Needs: Motion (Resumed) (7 May 2009)

John Curran: The misinformation generated by the Opposition following the Minister's decision to close a number of special classes for pupils with mild general learning disabilities has caused unnecessary anxiety and distress for many parents of children with special educational needs. The impression that such children would be bereft of special needs support is disingenuous. The Minister has made it...

Special Educational Needs: Motion (Resumed) (7 May 2009)

John Curran: The education partners have indicated that they are broadly supportive of the general allocation model and the emphasis it places on inclusive education alongside providing flexibility to schools in supporting pupils who are eligible for this support. The Minister has stated that the Department of Education and Science is currently reviewing appeals from some of the schools where classes are...

Written Answers — Security of the Elderly: Security of the Elderly (6 May 2009)

John Curran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 399 together. I would refer the Deputies to my reply to questions numbered 68 and 69 on 29th April 2009.