Results 1,121-1,140 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: I do not need the Progressive Democrats to tell me how I feel about the challenges for education in the future. I can take on anybody on this topic. I do not need any Member from Fine Gael to give me a lecture on how we should proceed.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: The debate should be allowed to take root. On Marian Finucane's programme yesterday, it emerged that 46% are against fees while 54% are in favour of them. That is not a bad gap and there is room—

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: There is room for debate on this issue. Do the Members opposite have a problem with that?

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: Those Members have a problem because—

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: —all they can say is that they do not want fees to be reintroduced. I am talking about broader issues, such as an inclusive society and a level of equality and participation in the educational system. I want everybody to have access to third level.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: At the same time, we should undertake an analysis as to why the disadvantaged and those in lower social groups cannot gain access to third level. It may not be about fees at all—

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: —it may be about other issues. Perhaps we should be debating that point, not claims by narrow-minded spin doctors that the Government is reintroducing fees. That is not on the cards. What is at issue is the review to which I refer. I assure Members—

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: There is no twist. We are debating the need for and the importance of engaging in a review.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: I know the Minister will have sought that review. I congratulate him for airing his views on it. At least he has brought the matter to the table and allowed us to engage in a marvellous and long overdue discussion on education.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: We need to look at the entire education system, from primary level to secondary level. We also need to look at the psychological service and at those who are not successful in the system. We must consider how best we can retain people in the education system, maximise their potential and allow them access to whatever form of third level education they choose. Perhaps we should be tapping into...

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: That is a presumption.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: He could seek money from the unions.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: There has been no decision.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: It is a review.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: We never forget our roots.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: The Labour Party has got away from its roots.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: I put that in because I thought there would not be access for disadvantaged students but that did not happen. I was proved wrong. (Interruptions).

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: It is not a U-turn. (Interruptions).Amendment put. Tá

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: Will the Leader make time available in the coming weeks to allow the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, update the House on how the working groups are coming to a final decision during the lead-in to the presentation of the Convention on the Future of Europe's final report in June? That is an important issue and it is not receiving sufficient publicity. I have repeatedly sought statements on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Ann Ormonde: Speech.