Results 7,261-7,280 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has taken measures that will result in the allocation of more than 2,000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: While the programme indicated a specific timeline regarding further changes to the staffing schedule to reduce class sizes, it was not possible to move further in the current year.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Government wants to maintain its focus on measures that can improve the quality of education in our primary schools and, ultimately, to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children. I am mindful of the need to continue to make progress on the schools building programme and I am anxious to improve the general funding position of primary schools through...

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy Hayes and his party cannot have it both ways.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Fine Gael cannot argue for the sound management of public expenditure and at the same time argue for additional money for the topic of the day.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Good management of public expenditure means identifying priorities and making choices within the resources available and not flip-flopping like Fine Gael, abandoning responsible management.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (27 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools, there is also provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school...

Written Answers — Physical Education Facilities: Physical Education Facilities (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Programme for Government commits the provision of a dedicated fund of at least €100 million for investment in school sports facilities over five years from within the NDP allocation for school buildings. I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to promoting exercise for our children and young people — both in their community and at school. Over €2.6 billion has been...

Written Answers — School Curriculum: School Curriculum (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second-level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered in the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: As the Deputy will be aware my Department is providing broadband connectivity to primary and post-primary schools under the Schools Broadband Access Programme, which is being supported by industry in the context of a Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Agreement. A competitive, technology neutral, central procurement process for the provision of local...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of applications for large scale capital funding from the schools to which he refers. The projects have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Ministerial cars are driven by members of an Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under section 62 of the Roads Act 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: My Department has not given authorisation to the school to move to a new site. However, my Department is examining options for the provision of permanent accommodation for the school referred to and in this regard the school authorities will be informed of any progress.

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: There is no record in my Department of an application for the replacement of temporary accommodation at the school in question. I have arranged for an official to contact the school authorities in the matter.

Written Answers — Site Acquisitions: Site Acquisitions (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: As part of my Department's recent interaction with the local government sector in relation to site acquisitions, my Department has asked Meath County Council to consider using its CPO powers for the acquisition of land required for the completion of an education campus at Laytown, Co. Meath. I am advised that a formal response to same is awaited. My Department in communications, in April...

Written Answers — Computerisation Programme: Computerisation Programme (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to implementing a comprehensive Schools ICT Strategy. This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The Deputy will be aware that my predecessor appointed a Strategy Group to advise on the priorities for expenditure on ICT in Schools and it is my intention to publish the report...

Written Answers — Asbestos Remediation Programme: Asbestos Remediation Programme (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I have asked the School Building and Modernisation Unit of my Department to carry out an examination of the case referred to by the Deputy as a matter of urgency. As soon as this is completed the school will be informed of the position without delay.

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: An application for temporary accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers has been received. The application is currently being assessed. My Department will be in contact with the school as soon as a decision has been made.

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: My Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for the school to which the Deputy refers. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual school Building and modernisation Programme. However, in light of...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (22 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: My Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for the school to which the Deputy refers. The application was made in 1999. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual school Building and...