Results 1,041-1,060 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Written Answers — School Enrolments: School Enrolments (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The most recent projections used by my Department would see the projected enrolments at post-primary level increase from the current total enrolment (excluding PLCs) of circa 312,200 pupils to an expected enrolment of between 331,500 and 336,600 pupils by the year 2017. At primary level, the most recent projections would see an increase in enrolments from the current total enrolment of circa...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: In relation to the project to which the Deputy refers, the original OJEU contract notice for the prequalification of contractors issued on the basis that a set number of contractors would pre-qualify; therefore it is not possible to extend the pre-qualification list in this case.

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I wish to advise the Deputy that the Office of Public Works acquired the land in question on behalf of my Department. The price paid for the land was based on the market conditions prevailing at the time of purchase. I am advised that my Department is not aware of any lobbying referred to by the Deputy on this matter.

Written Answers — Daylight Savings Time: Daylight Savings Time (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: There is no cost associated with changing clocks from summer time to winter time in my Department.

Teaching Qualifications (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Deputy is incorrect. The situation is that I have issued a circular to indicate that it is clearly my view and that of the Department that those unqualified teachers and retired teachers should not be an option for classrooms.

School Staffing (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Retirements at primary level since the introduction of the moratorium in March 2009 were 458 principals, 386 deputy principals, 211 assistant principals and 343 teachers with special duties posts of responsibility. The equivalent figures for the post primary sector were approximately 159 principals, 132 deputy principals, 1,172 assistant principals and 302 teachers with special duties posts...

School Staffing (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: As I indicated, many other sectors have a moratorium. We are in a position to replace teachers, including some posts of responsibility, where there is a need for alleviation. A number of schools lost most of their post holders as a consequence of retirements and we had to bring in at least a base where that work needed to be done. Since 2009, there has been a reduction in the number of...

School Staffing (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The total estimated cost of posts of responsibility is €236 million. I do not take from the valuable work done on a voluntary basis by many who hold no post of responsibility, and who are usually the ones who are enthusiastic enough never to bother about such posts and go out to do the school plays, the music-----

School Staffing (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: There are plenty of those, which is very good. This is the type of thing we will have to instill in life, in society and in the community as opposed to having people being paid to be a volunteer. There are other responsibilities which require administrative time, and I do not take from that. However, what we are trying to ensure is that at the least we meet a minimum requirement so the...

Third Level Charges (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position to comment on budgetary proposals. Speculation on any decision in respect of student registration fees is just that - speculation. The student services charge is levied by the higher education institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and student services. Students eligible under the means-tested student...

Third Level Charges (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: As stated in the reply to the Deputy's parliamentary question, I am not in a position to deal with the budgetary discussions that are taking place at present. That is unfair to our colleagues-----

Third Level Charges (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: -----and it is only leading to speculation. Second, I agree with the Deputy that it is totally inappropriate that someone might leak certain parts of a document without the Government or Members of the House being informed. The Government is currently considering the matter. I have completed the normal Government processes whereby I asked my colleagues for their views to be brought back to...

Third Level Charges (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Deputy should tell me if he was allegedly briefed or briefed one way or the other.

Third Level Charges (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I cannot deal with an allegation of which I am not aware.

Third Level Charges (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It is important to say that there are 69,000 people who are eligible for grant aid and support out of the 157,000 people who are attending higher education. In my response I indicated that there is a cohort of people over and above the eligibility criteria who have found it difficult in some circumstances. We should differentiate the question the Deputy asked which concerned the budgetary...

Departmental Agencies (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The reorganisation and reform of FÁS and of the State's provision of training and employment services is a process that I initiated over a year ago. The first phase involved the putting in place of a stronger board and corporate governance structure in FÁS and this was provided for in the Labour Services (Amendment) Act 2010. The second phase, announced by the Taoiseach, involves the...

Departmental Agencies (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I do not have detail to hand on the number of public servants who will be transferred as it was not part of the question but I would be more than happy to give Deputy O'Dowd the numbers in due course. This relates to the division of FÁS training agency and FÁS employment services, which will transfer to the Department of Social Protection. I reiterate that there has been a considerable...

Departmental Agencies (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The issue of corporate governance - all of these issues - have been met. The second issue was to do with the qualifications and quality assurance. That work has been happening. Third, there has been an investigation carried out in a number of areas. We are also changing the methodologies and the quality assurance provisions within FÁS. That is ongoing. Fourth, it is important to refocus...

Departmental Agencies (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: -----which will not overlap with other providers in further education and VECs. The strategic focus will definitely be on how we will provide employment opportunities for our people.

Departmental Agencies (9 Nov 2010)

Mary Coughlan: First, that is totally outside the remit of this question. That being said, the issue on ESF funding has been clarified by officials in my Department to the committee. We will see a draw-down of the ESF entitlements on the basis of a new computerisation which is being provided for. The position is as follows. I want to give confidence to many who work within FÁS who, as all of the Members...