Results 5,821-5,840 of 6,629 for speaker:Seán Kyne

Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: It goes without saying that forensic science has transformed crime detection and investigation and enabled police forces to solve crimes that would have remained unsolved in earlier times. We are all aware of forensic science through entertainment and the media, with a plethora of books, films and television programmes on the topic. It is an area that has both influenced and been influenced...

Other Questions: Pension Provisions (9 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I thank the Minister for that clarification. I have been contacted by individuals who believed that this measure would be in effect from 1 July. I will revert to them on the matter. I also acknowledge the Minister's work on the Haddington Road agreement, which signifies the solidarity of public sector workers in restoring our public finances.

Other Questions: Pension Provisions (9 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 10. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to the Haddington Road agreement, if the reduction in the pension related deduction, currently at 5% of the salary portion €15,000 to €19,999 and due to be reduced to 2.5%, has been implemented; and if not, if he will indicate the timeframe for the introduction of this measure. [42509/13]

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Performance Management and Development System (9 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 16. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the progress of the implementation of phase two changes to the performance management and development system that are currently under way; the take-up of additional skills training courses across Departments as a result of PMDS reviews; and his views on overall progress in renewing the PMDS system. [42508/13]

Topical Issue Debate: Dáil Reform (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I thank the Taoiseach for his response. I also thank him for attending the House to take this Topical Issue. I welcome the assertion that the pre and post-enactment phases will not be watered down. While I accept the point concerning the Whip, it should be possible to consider loosening that grip for non-vital legislation. Those of us who voted on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy...

Topical Issue Debate: Dáil Reform (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: Regarding Seanad reform, a duplication of the Dáil is not required. There is a better role for a second House. For example, the Seanad could play an important role in the scrutiny of EU legislation and fulfil the greater role of national parliaments envisaged under the Lisbon treaty. In such a scenario, the existing Seanad panels could be replaced by new panels organised along the...

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the progress report from the National Council for Special Education-appointed working group, tasked with developing a new model for the allocation of resources to schools in line with the NCSE's main recommendations, has been received as expected by the end of September; if the report will be published; and if there will be an opportunity...

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I thank the Minister. I understood the report was to be published in September. There are ongoing delays, so it will not be until the end of spring. I ask this question in the context of the concerns of parents of children with Down's syndrome and the campaign by Down's syndrome educational quality advocates to have Down's syndrome recognised as a low incidence disability by the Department...

Other Questions: FÁS Training Programmes Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 64. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if control procedures are in place to monitor and measure the quality and effectiveness of courses being provided by private educational organisations which were once provided in-house by FÁS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42176/13]

Other Questions: FÁS Training Programmes Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I raised this question following anecdotal evidence from some constituents regarding certain courses they are attending which they believe are not properly organised. They do not feel they are getting proper value for the time they are putting in. As we are moving to having FÁS courses contracted out, we need to ensure quality is...

Other Questions: FÁS Training Programmes Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I welcome what the Minister of State said about participant feedback. It is important to have full and open feedback on an ongoing basis. While I know the Minister of State would not receive information on every course, does he or do his officials receive ongoing participant feedback showing whether concerns expressed are being or can be addressed?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Pathways to Work 2013: Discussion with Department of Social Protection (8 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I will read the responses to my questions. I welcome Ms Vaughan and her colleagues. I also welcome the proposals made and the plan behind the Intreo offices and the integration of those seeking unemployment benefit and finding employment for them and all that it entails. My concern lies with the removal of community welfare offices from remote areas such as mine in Connemara. It can...

Freedom of Information Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: The Freedom of Information Bill should rightfully be renamed the freedom of information restoration Bill because it aims to restore the legislation to its original position, prior to its curtailment by the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats Government of 2002 to 2007. The Bill before us now actually goes further than the original 1997 Bill to provide a new, consolidated freedom of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 74. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contribution Ireland has made in general sessions of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, the most recent of which concluded on 27 September; the number of Irish officials representing the country on the council; and the dialogue between the Government and the representatives in raising human rights issues...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 68. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the proportion of Irish Aid which is directed towards efforts to combat climate change, the effects of which are likely to be more intense in the developing world; and the projects operated or supported by Irish Aid. [41096/13]

Mortgage Restructuring Arrangement Bill 2013: Second Stage [Private Members] (1 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: Yes, I will wrap up. I am interested in the comment that similar proposals to those outlined in the Bill have worked elsewhere, specifically in Norway and Iceland. The Bill is worth further investigation to see whether some elements of it could have merit, notwithstanding the workings of the negotiated personal insolvency arrangements. I appreciate that we need time to assess how the new...

Mortgage Restructuring Arrangement Bill 2013: Second Stage [Private Members] (1 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: It is important, as the Minister said, to continue to discuss this important issue, which affects so many of our citizens. I commend Deputy Collins on her work on this Bill. From my limited experience, producing a Bill is no easy task. It requires a great deal of time for research, drafting and re-drafting as well as communication and consultation with the Bills Office. It is not easy to...

Topical Issue Debate: Community Welfare Services (1 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I thank the Minister for her reply. I concur with Deputies Calleary and Pringle regarding keeping this under review. There is a concern that the Minister is taking the community out of community welfare provision. While telephone, e-mail, letters, etc., are fine, some living in parts of my area who must see a community welfare officer may have to travel 60 kilometres one way for a...

Topical Issue Debate: Community Welfare Services (1 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating this Topical Issue debate. I acknowledge the work of the Minister and her Department in ensuring the continued provision of services, despite the extraordinary and unprecedented challenges we face. The economic crisis has put extra strain on Departments' budgets, particularly that of the Department of Social Protection, and I appreciate the...

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Seán Kyne: 650. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the liberalising of bus routes will be extended beyond those locations listed in the public consultation document launched recently.. [41111/13]