Results 10,741-10,760 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Higher Education. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: The Institute of Technology Tallaght, which is the smallest such institute in Ireland, has submitted a list of projects which would cost €71.5 million to complete. The Deputy will be able to imagine from that the level of expenditure required by the approximately 20 institutes of technology. If we do this, we should do it correctly. I hope to have the report soon. Once I have it, I will...

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: The matter referred to by the Deputy is subject to inquiries by the Standards in Public Office Commission. When the commission has completed its inquiries, any actions suggested or recommendations made will be complied with fully.

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I have a difficulty. In its wisdom, the House decided that incidents like this should be referred to the Standards in Public Office Commission. In the good old days the Minister would be answerable to the House when the Opposition put down questions. However, all Members are entitled to defend themselves under the double jeopardy clause.

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I am entitled to wait until the Standards in Public Office Commission makes its findings. I do not wish to be disrespectful to the House but I have provided all the information to the commission at its request. When it is finished making its inquiries, I will provide its findings to the House. I have given as much information as I can at this point. I do not intend to give further information...

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I do not know how to answer that question. If Deputies are not aware that the Department of Education and Science makes available to Members whatever information it possibly can——

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: ——then where have they been? This type of information, whether packaged or unpackaged, is available on request. Opposition Deputies frequently ask for briefings which departmental officials, using their own time, readily give to them. Should I start charging for that service? A sense of proportion has to be kept in all of this. If any Deputy has not received information from the...

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: The information was available in various departmental publications, in ministerial speeches and in answers to parliamentary questions. I was asked to collate the information and make it available. If people request information, it will be given to them, so long as it is available.

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: We must wait to see if the Standards in Public Office Commission decides there is a problem that it went to representatives of the Fianna Fáil Party——

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: ——or that it should not happen for all political parties. We will face an appalling vista if Departments are not in a position to make information available. It must be carefully considered.

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: Those questions would be better left to the Standards in Public Office Commission.

Departmental Costs. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I will be prepared to answer the questions when they are dealt with by the commission. I constantly get requests from individuals, political parties and the media for information. I regard it as my duty to answer any questions as fully as possible and I hope I can continue to do so. I make no distinction — and neither do any of my civil servants — between various sources of inquiry. I...

State Examinations. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware of the comments made by the acting general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland. I share his view that in some cases grinds can be counterproductive when they interfere with normal school teaching and learning and may add to the pressure and panic in the run-up to the leaving certificate examinations. However, I recognise that in certain circumstances, such...

State Examinations. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is responsible for making recommendations on the leaving certificate curriculum and examinations. Over 12 months ago, it instituted a consultation process on the leaving certificate examination which is now being finalised. Aspects of the leaving certificate have been changed and alternatives to the formal leaving certificate have been...

State Examinations. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I have no idea how much grinds are costing parents or how much the grind school industry is worth. The advice I give to parents and students is that the leaving certificate is not the be all and end all. There are alternative routes to most jobs or courses. I also advise parents not to put undue pressure on young people who are studying for the leaving certificate. There are alternatives...

State Examinations. (18 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I have taken every opportunity to advance the cause of reform in education and of the leaving certificate. The Deputy has been present on some of these occasions. I have spoken to the NCCA to try to ensure it arrives at a speedy conclusion of its discussions and issues recommendations. The NCCA works on the basis of consensus so the process is quite slow. That is a disadvantage. Its...

Written Answers — Superannuation Benefits: Superannuation Benefits (13 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: My Department will arrange for a refund in full of the net overpayment of superannuation contributions applicable in relation to the secondment period. The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 provides for superannuation schemes for staff who are direct employees of FETAC, HETAC and the National Qualifications Authority. Draft schemes have been prepared and are awaiting final...

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (13 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: I understand that the candidate in question completed the Bachelor of Science course in health, fitness and leisure studies in the 2003-04 academic year. I understand that this degree programme consists of two study blocks of 15 weeks each, separated by a six month work placement in industry. Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, grant-holders may be paid three equal...

Written Answers — School Staffing: School Staffing (13 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: A total of 246 schools are due to have the number of approved mainstream teaching posts reduced for the 2004-05 school year. For the 2004-05 school year, I have decided that the determination by reference to enrolments in junior and senior classes at 30 September 2003 of teacher posts allocated for disadvantage will remain unchanged. A detailed review of educational disadvantage schemes is...

Written Answers — Special Educational Needs: Special Educational Needs (13 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: Special schools funded by the Department of Education and Science are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from four years of age until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th birthday. The Department of Health and Children has direct responsibility for provision for young adults over 18 years of age with special needs and my...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (13 May 2004)

Noel Dempsey: My Department is considering a number of options for the long term accommodation of Gaelscoil Cholmcille including the possible purchase of a site. However, due to the commercial sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions, the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment on specific site purchase issues.