Results 41-60 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan
- Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: We must look at the balance, particularly in training colleges, and ensure that academia is not the be-all and end-all. I would prefer somebody who is not as well-qualified academically but is far better in communicating the skills at a lower level to the students. The teaching profession must question and face up to how in the past teachers who did not perform were protected. Teachers...
- Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Yes. However, we discuss other professions often enough. This evening we will talk about the teaching profession. If weak teachers are being carried, we must look at them not only at student level but we must have ongoing assessment throughout their careers.
- Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Regarding the findings of the report, one of the issues mentioned is that of class sizes. It is fair to ask the Minister what was the size of the class on which the students were assessed. On the general principle of class size I wish to make a number of points. The average class size in 1996-97 was 27. It is now 24. The pupil-teacher ratio in 1996-97 was 22. It is now 17. The...
- Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: The inspectorate may have something to learn from it. We should not be dismissive of a report we can learn from just because people are getting hyper-sensitive. I firmly believe the area of teacher training must have a greater emphasis, in the modern society in which we live, on how teaching skills are communicated and knowledge is imparted rather than academia. I would like to see some...
- Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: That is outrageous.
- Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: The Senator cannot say that.
- Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: That is absolute rubbish.
- Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Where was the Senator during yesterday's debate on health?
- Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Where was the Senator during yesterday's debate on health? He is rabbiting onââ
- Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: That is no bad thing.
- Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: What did Senator Bannon say?
- Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Unfortunately, many people in the political establishment and the Department of Health and Children do not view pharmacists as an integral part of the health care system but as retailers. The number of customers who seek medical advice in pharmacies, without any prescription or sale of product, and who receive professional advice from a highly qualified medical professional is seldom...
- Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Senator Browne should have come.
- Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: I listened to the Minister, Deputy Harney, and her upbeat comments on the reform agenda being driven through the health service. It is refreshing that despite the onslaught of criticism and ongoing gamesmanship, we have a Minister who is so committed to driving that agenda in the interest of patients. The key issue is the interests of patients. On the one hand there are the Government,...
- Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: I look forward to Senator Ryan's contribution to which I will listen with great interest. The last time the Labour Party had control of the Department of Health, the then Minister, Deputy Howlin, ran out of it. At least the Progressive Democrats will stay there and do the job as best we can. There has been an uptake in the GP-only medical cards. I was disappointed that the initial uptake...
- Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: Yes. If a proper survey was completed on this, it is more than likely that 88% to 90% of dispensed drugs are paid for by the State. The numbers of patients paying for private medicines would then stand at approximately 10%. The State plays a large role in dispensing medicines and the supply and facility given to patients is to be commended. Thresholds for medical cards have been increased...
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: We have heard Senator Brian Hayes on slumps. It is obvious to me that Fine Gael has no policy on stamp duty or taxation.
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: I make no apologies for my party setting out its agenda and its beliefsââ
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: ââon how the system should be reformed. Nor do I make apologies for those people who are currently subjected to an unfair system of stamp duty in respect of which we recommend reform.
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)
John Minihan: I wish to speak about another slump.