Results 7,041-7,060 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: To advise the schools in question of the changes in the staffing schedule, that circular usually is not available until around Easter time. However, if the leader of the Opposition wishes to spend his time looking at how the Government intends to issue a circular arising from this discussion, I am sure he can be facilitated.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: However, as he is aware, the pupil-teacher ratio contains flexibilities that always have been there——

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: ——dependent on, for example——

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: For example, in the primary system there is a redeployment schedule that is based on the diocesan framework.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Unfortunately, that situation does not obtain in some secondary schools. However, the Government hopes that in the context of partnership, as the Minister for Education and Science has noted, this issue also can be dealt with.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I did not know I was sitting an examination.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Given the seriousness of the issue, I will not rise to a retort.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: On the staffing schedule, there will be a realisation of savings worth €18 million in 2009 and €96 million in a full year. The issue the Minister described as the suspension of a payment refers to uncertified sick leave and absences on school business. This reverts to the 2003 agreement. However, it does not take from another aspect of supervision pay, namely, an annual payment of...

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: To clarify the matter, that will be retained. The other aspects will revert to the 2003 process.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: To clarify, it is a suspension which will revert back, I am sure, with the advent of changed circumstances.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It is important to have due regard for the quality of teaching and education in this country——

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: ——and the capacity of our teachers to teach. That has not been mooted by any Member of the Opposition. On the issue of staffing levels, the Leader of the Opposition has requested the staffing schedule.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: From what I can ascertain, the circular will not have been finalised——

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: ——because the figures are being compiled.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: As a practising politician, the Leader of the Opposition will realise these matters have to be checked and rechecked.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: If the Leader of the Opposition wishes to spend his time preparing the staffing schedule for the Department of Education and Science, I am sure we can facilitate him.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: At this moment in time, it is not in the better interest of the primary schools in respect of which he asked this question.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I was asked where the figures were. I am basing my response on the figure of 200 teachers prepared by the Department in the context of the overall increase in primary school enrolment and whatever cross cutting has to be done for special needs, etc. I can certainly ask the Department to forward the staffing schedule to the Leader of the Opposition when it is ready.

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: If the Labour Party wishes to continue muddying the waters on this issue, that is a matter for itself. However, it is the intention of the Government to repeal the Act. It is also the intention of this Government to introduce the income thresholds in other legislation. Therefore, it is appropriate to say that the Government's intention is to move with the new income thresholds of €700...

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It is the Government's intention that the top 5% of earners would stay outside that remit. On the basis of legal advice to the Minister for Health and Children, this is the methodology by which this process can continue and come before the House. This is the legislative measure that will enact the Government's decision to support those over 70 within the income thresholds of €700 and €1,400.