Results 10,161-10,180 of 13,254 for speaker:Seán Sherlock

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Youth Unemployment Measures (22 May 2013)

Seán Sherlock: It is important to acknowledge it. The demand side issue to which the Deputy refers is being tackled. The Action Plan for Jobs includes a number of regulatory measures to encourage business. It is acknowledged that demand has bottomed out but the Government is trying to put in place a set of measures to address the 250,000 jobs lost between 2000 case in 2011. These jobs were allied, for...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Youth Unemployment Measures (22 May 2013)

Seán Sherlock: All the work which the Government is doing through the Action Plan for Jobs aims to transform our economy from one that became over dependent on property, construction and debt to one focused on enterprise, innovation and exports. The Action Plan for Jobs is focused on sustaining and creating employment for new entrants to the labour market and the unemployed, many of whom are under 25....

Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (16 May 2013)

Seán Sherlock: I do.

Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (16 May 2013)

Seán Sherlock: One thinks of Eyre Square.

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Job Creation Issues (23 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: Through the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government is providing the basis for increased employment opportunities for graduates, particularly in growing and emerging sectors that rely on high knowledge and skills levels. The Action Plan contains a number of measures that specifically support graduates and includes commitments to support graduates in specific sectors such as the food industry...

Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) (Amendment) Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The researchers funded by Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, are connected to close to 650 distinct companies that employ more than 90,000 people in Ireland. These researchers also leverage significant research funding from non-Exchequer sources, such as the EU and industry, usually in the order of €80 million to €90 million per annum. The SFI also supports more than 20...

Other Questions: School Patronage (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The surveys were conducted in 43 areas across the country. We have taken the responses to those surveys and are acting accordingly. There is a process underway with the existing patrons to consider the options. There is a timeframe for responses. The small schools issue has not been decided yet so the link with this issue is incongruous. The accusation of hypocrisy, therefore, does not...

Other Questions: School Patronage (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: None of us is averse to a bit of political banter from time to time but the purpose of this set-piece is to get to the nub of the questions. Following the recent publication of the results of the survey on primary school patronage, the Minister has written to the Catholic patrons in the 23 areas where parental demand for change has been confirmed in the most recent surveys. A total of 43...

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue, which is specific to his area. Department officials and I would be very interested to hear how the process with the VEC could take shape, with a view to engaging further in the process. If we are talking about a very specific geographical location, my own view - without being in full possession of the facts of the case made by the Deputy - is that...

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: If the Deputy could make a request to the senior Minister, I will refer to the fact that the issue was raised in the House, along with the matter raised by Deputy Keating.

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: I acknowledge each of the contributions. It is important to state that there are 540 autism-specific classes approved throughout the country. There are specific pockets where there are shortages or where issues may need to be addressed. They can be raised through this forum and on the floor of the House but also by way of direct representations to the Minister for Education and Skills,...

Other Questions: School Patronage (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 12 together. The surveys of parental preferences were undertaken largely in towns and suburbs. It was also open to parents of preschool or primary school children in rural areas or rural schools to participate in the surveys. The purpose of the surveys was to establish if parents want a more diverse range of primary school patrons in their area....

Other Questions: Schools Mental Health Strategies (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: There is common ground here. What has amazed me since becoming Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills two years ago is the well-spring of initiatives in schools and the level of cohesion between teachers and pupils in their collaboration on such projects. We all acknowledge that and I accept the point that we should examine some of these projects to determine whether we...

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The Department currently spends some €1.3 billion or 15% of its budget in support of children with special educational needs, including those with autism. Many children with autism are supported in mainstream schools where they are integrated with other children, including those with other special educational needs. These children have access to additional resource teaching hours and...

Other Questions: Schools Building Projects Status (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The Deputy should make the request.

Other Questions: Schools Building Projects Status (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The Deputy should make the request in writing. It is on the record. The Deputy will appreciate that the demographic issue is clear. His situation in Lucan is not untypical of other parts of the country, including my area where there are serious demographic demands. There is a feeling among existing schools that they have been bypassed in favour of the creation of new schools. However,...

Other Questions: Schools Mental Health Strategies (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 34, 48 and 59 together. The promotion of student well-being and positive mental health strategies in schools is a key aim of my Department. Accordingly, the Minister, Deputy Quinn, has directed my Department's support services to review and prioritise support for schools on the guidelines for mental health promotion which he launched recently with my...

Other Questions: Schools Mental Health Strategies (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: I accept the point the Deputy is making. Perhaps it is a commentary on life in this country at present for people who are unemployed, employed or in specific professions that the level of stress has increased dramatically. We have had a recession for more than five years at this stage and that takes its toll. Decisions have been made on budgetary issues pertaining to education involving a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: School Curriculum (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The "Teachers' Voice" is a report based on the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, ASTI's consultation with teachers on the new framework for junior cycle. It is valuable to have access to these findings, which are being considered within the Department. At the ASTI conference, the Minister, Deputy Quinn, made a point of commending the ASTI for the content of the report and the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: School Curriculum (17 Apr 2013)

Seán Sherlock: The teachers' representative organisations are part of the educational partners consultation group and provide partners, including the ASTI, with a formal medium for assisting in the planning of the phased introduction of the junior cycle. This is proof of their involvement in a consultative process. Meetings are held approximately every month. At these, the partners have an opportunity to...