Results 14,441-14,460 of 32,583 for speaker:Richard Bruton

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Funding (21 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: The information sought by the Deputy is currently being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded shortly.

Topical Issue Debate: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: The assessment method has nothing to do with me or my like or dislike of a particular part of the country. It is an objective method that has been used-----

Topical Issue Debate: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: -----in the same way for every school throughout the country. We have on this occasion been able to increase the number of schools in the disadvantaged programme by 2%. The criteria I cited are the ones that are used and that the Deputies cited. They relate to unemployment rates, social class, occupation, overcrowding of children, lone parents, the education levels of parents, dependency...

Topical Issue Debate: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I can understand why people will say another school should have been included, but this has been done in a fair and equitable manner and is in no way politically influenced.

Topical Issue Debate: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I thank the Deputies for raising this important issue. I do not for one moment accept Deputy Mattie McGrath's suggestion that I snubbed Tipperary or any part of it.

Topical Issue Debate: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: The truth is that this system was set up based on an objective assessment. It has taken into consideration issues such as the ones the Deputies raised, including social class, dependency ratios, educational levels of parents, lone parenthood, overcrowding, occupation, unemployment. On this first round, I have been able to include just 2% of schools in addition in the DEIS scheme. That is a...

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I regret I will have to come back to the Deputy on that. There is a substantial technology plan, but I cannot provide the Deputy with a blow-by-blow account of how it is being rolled out. I will get the information for the Deputy.

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I regret I do not have the details the Deputy is seeking. I will endeavour to get it to her. No doubt it will be the subject of a parliamentary question to the Minister in due course.

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: As I outlined earlier, the Minister has introduced a framework to provide greater rental certainty and put a cap on increases. He is also rolling out the HAP programme which will only come into effect next month in Dublin. A pilot HAP programme is operating in Dublin, whereby people at risk of homelessness can get access to an uplift on the amount paid to them. Initiatives are in place....

Business of Dáil (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 10b, motion re Tribunal of Inquiry shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 80 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: the speech of a Minister or Minister of State and the main spokespersons for parties or groups or a Member nominated in their stead shall not...

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: My objective is to ensure that every child who comes to our schools from a background of social disadvantage or with a special need can fulfil his or her potential. I have reviewed both the DEIS scheme and the resource teaching allocation scheme and I am investing €70 million extra in those programmes in the coming year. This is the first time in eight years that any new school has...

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I see. I will have to come back to the Deputy on that.

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I understand that the heads of that Bill are expected shortly. They will go for pre-legislative scrutiny to the Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. There will therefore be plenty of opportunity for Deputies to ventilate their concerns-----

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: -----about the management or otherwise of the tracks concerned. That offers an immanent opportunity. Parliamentary questions can be tabled in the meantime.

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: This is an important and challenging area. I recall that the former Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch, was dealing with this matter. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath is currently drafting legislation in this area. The heads of the Bill are at an advanced stage, so hopefully it will come to Cabinet in the near future. However, it has been difficult...

Leaders' Questions (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: I am not wrong. The HSE and the company are in negotiation about its longer-term use in the wider public service. As I understand it, the company provided 20 patients with compassionate access to this product as a demonstration of its efficacy. I do not believe that should be withdrawn in the process of a discussion about its longer-term use.

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: The Taoiseach made it very clear that he was wholly committed to making sure there would be no hard Border. He said yesterday that he had met with virtually all the leaders of Government across the EU to make a very strong case over the particular significance of this. It would be a huge backward step and he pledged that it would be top of the political agenda. This is not a technical...

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: The Government's commitment is absolutely clear.

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: The Government is disappointed with the reports of a shift in policy from the US, though it is not yet clear what it will mean in practice. The Government's position remains the same. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has been trying to get a Middle East peace process under way with initiatives by both France and Sweden. Recognition could be helpful but...

Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2017)

Richard Bruton: It is my understanding that the national mitigation plan is at an advanced stage and documents are in place to provide for a consultation. It is an area of immense importance. The actions are set out under the various pillars, namely, transport, agriculture and energy etc. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, is absolutely committed to...