Results 41-60 of 7,713 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Teaching Qualifications (5 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a teacher on a conditional Teaching Council registration who chooses to undertake the assessment only route for post primary (details supplied) will allow a teacher to become fully qualified and registered under route 2 of the Teaching Council. [60215/25]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Schools Building Projects (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: The community will hang on the Minister's every word in relation to this. For clarity, regarding the letter of intent issued to the third contractor, are part of the works separated off? My understanding is that a letter of authorisation is due. What is the next step on that?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Schools Building Projects (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Is it a letter of acceptance? Is it the case that the project has been divided up and there are subcontractors? The Minister mentioned specialist work. Is that related to the struggle to get contractors to commit to this project? Is there a new approach in that regard? Obviously, there are delays in this that are very frustrating. Will she indicate, given she said it would be as soon as...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Schools Building Projects (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: There are a couple of issues. There is real frustration in relation to this. As I said, planning was granted in 2020. There will be a need for additional prefab space in both of these schools come next September because pupils will not be in them. We can all agree to that due to the fact we have not got contracts signed. From speaking to people very close to not only this project, but...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Schools Building Projects (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 5. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a new school building project (details supplied); if she is aware that planning permission was granted for these schools in November 2020; the reason for the delays in bringing this project to construction; the indicative timeline for construction, commencement and completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter....

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Schools Building Projects (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I want to ask the Minister for an update on a new school building project for Coláiste Ríoga and Dunshaughlin Community National School in Dunshaughlin, County Meath. Is she is aware that planning permission was granted for these schools in November 2020? It is now November 2025? What is the reason for the delays in bringing this project to construction and the indicative...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Early Childhood Care and Education (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 1. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to increase the number of early intervention classes to meet current and projected demand across the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60168/25]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Early Childhood Care and Education (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I think the Minister will agree that those who avail of early intervention classes along with their families reflect on them very positively. Has there been an assessment of unmet need? Is it the case that this is demand-led through the NCSE? If there has been an assessment of unmet need, what are the plans to meet that need into the future?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Early Childhood Care and Education (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: It might be worth having joined-up consideration of it to see if there is opportunity to get additional benefit from more early intervention classes. Has any consideration been given to the potential barrier there of a need for diagnosis at that stage? These are young children. Related to that is the transition between early years and primary school and primary school into secondary...

Education (Affordable School Uniforms) Bill 2025: Second Stage [Private Members] (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank everyone who contributed to the debate. Deputy Mythen put his finger on it when he said that the Government amendment is an elaborate way to kill the Bill, essentially. It refers to consultation, collaboration, engagement and further review, but the substance of the issue is this: what difference is the Government's approach going to make to parents sending kids to school next...

Education (Affordable School Uniforms) Bill 2025: Second Stage [Private Members] (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I will be sharing time with colleagues. It is clear that the cost of sending children school is rising and pushing more and more parents into significant financial hardship. Budget 2026 has failed to deliver the investment and vision which our education system so desperately needs. The Irish League of Credit Unions has reported that...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence and Disability: Discussion (Resumed) (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: This is very informative in terms of the potential and opportunity but also the risks and blind spots of AI and AI development. If the witnesses were advising the directors or CEOs of these big AI companies on where to focus their efforts to help support and realise opportunities for people with disabilities, what would they advise them to prioritise?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence and Disability: Discussion (Resumed) (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: That piece on co-creation is interesting. Mr. Sherwin referred to the role of the Oireachtas. A challenge here is that so much of this is in a black box in private companies. Is it the witnesses' sense that achieving the best possible outcome here - and there are balances in all of this - will require strong regulation and legislation to mandate and enforce? My concern would be that this...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence and Disability: Discussion (Resumed) (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: A theme that has been coming up across a number of submissions is that good participation or co-creation or co-development needs resourcing of all parties. That is an important point that has been made by the Irish Deaf Society too.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence and Disability: Discussion (Resumed) (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Okay. I thank Mr. Sherwin.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Mental Health Services (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 74. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which she is going to address the alarming rates of mental wellbeing issues facing students; and when we will see robust mental health and well-being programmes introduced into the school day. [59670/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 56. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason education therapy services have not been provided to children with additional needs in mainstream schools in Budget 2026; and the measures being taken to ensure the same support is provided to these children in contrast with children attending special education schools. [59668/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education Policy (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which she intends to provide resources to inform students the way in which to combat misinformation and political disinformation; and if there are movements toward revitalising the civics curriculum to not only teach about Government structures, but also media literacy. [59672/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education Policy (4 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her strategy to prevent a digital divide and ensure that every student, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location, has access to the technology and digital literacy skills necessary to succeed. [59671/25]