Results 7,381-7,400 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Special Educational Needs. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 226 together. The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post-primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised...

Special Educational Needs. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: We prefer to call them discussions rather than negotiations. My officials will meet again next week to bring this matter to a conclusion. The Department of Education and Science has sanctioned the establishment of 13 centres for children with autism, which would operate through ABA.

Special Educational Needs. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: No, all other applications will have to be looked at in the normal way. There are other applications for recognition and they will be examined in light of various applications in particular areas. I emphasise we have funding for the 13 centres and we are in negotiations on the 14th. That is the agreement to date as regards ABA. However, I do not want to go into further discussion until...

Special Educational Needs. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank the Deputies for their interventions and Deputy Ó Caoláin for his good wishes. I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputies on the child-centred approach. Meeting the needs of the individual child is what is important. It was stated the needs of the child can change from time to time and Deputy Ó Caoláin seemed to accept there are different approaches to meeting them. I come to...

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am aware of the cost pressures on schools, including those arising from water charges, and it is therefore a priority for the Government to improve funding for the day-to-day running costs of schools. Specific commitments on improving school funding form a central part of the education provisions of the programme for Government. These commitments are a direct follow-on from the clear...

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I do not expect to be in a position to make further improvements to capitation grants in the current year. However, I am very conscious that it is necessary to increase them and I will keep this need very much in mind. Two issues arise, one of which concerns conservation of water in schools. Fitting simple water-saving devices should be relatively cost-effective. More important, I would...

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Under the EU water framework directive, all non-domestic users must pay for water used. This system will be fully in place by 2010. It is important that we all exhort school authorities to conserve water.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Schools can make a significant impact on lowering the charges they have been meeting to date by installing simple water conservation devices. They can use the €27 million made available at the end of last year under the small works scheme to ensure leaks are repaired.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am glad the Deputy agrees there should be a water conservation policy within schools. Such a policy should be actively pursued. As for the Deputy's question on the Government response, I already have outlined a transitional arrangement that will be put in place by the Government to alleviate some of the difficulties. Schools have been given an opportunity until 2010 to put in place...

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The directive also requires that——

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: ——measures be put in place up to 2010 to move towards full cost recovery. The only exemption in this regard pertains to domestic households.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Schools are in the same position as all other users, including charities and social services.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I do not agree with the Deputy.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Of course I will not confirm that because it is not the case.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy Hayes should separate two issues. The first is the legal framework and the legal position from 2010, which is that the full cost must be paid by schools.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is the first issue.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: In his response to me, Deputy Hayes did not accept that.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: If the Deputy was listening, I stated that in respect of capitation grants and schools, I intended to keep that issue foremost in my mind. This is one of the issues I consider must be addressed in my term of office. I can only give the commitment that this issue is very much on my mind.

Capitation Grants. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: I do not wish to give a hostage to fortune. Members will appreciate that at present, I am going through all the finances with the Department. As an issue however, I believe that as Minister for Education and Science, I must examine capitation seriously.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio. (21 May 2008)

Batt O'Keeffe: The programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in respect of the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government. The programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4,000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing class sizes. Budget 2008 provided my Department with...