Results 141-160 of 6,558 for speaker:James Lawless

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: It fails to see its real role in our society and our economy. At its heart, my Department is a services Ministry, but it is also much more. It is an economic Ministry and an enabler of everything we want to do. The challenges we are facing, including global trade uncertainty, digital disruption, AI, the green transition and climate change, all demand we lead with the talent, science and...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: We can laugh all we like but let us think about how this came about.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: We have a duty to be upfront and honest with citizens and to deal in good faith.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: We do not gain anything from avoiding those questions. Whether in a radio interview or anywhere else, I have always been straight with people. This is not a policy decision. Deputy O'Reilly can wave her fingers all she likes.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: Ceann Comhairle, I am trying to speak. I did not interrupt you, Deputy O'Reilly. This is not a policy decision or a move to reallocate moneys. It is not a decision of any kind. It is not a decision at all.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: This is a straight and sincere statement of budgetary challenges as we approach this year's budget. That is what it is, pure and simple.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The once-off measures, which were welcome-----

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The once-off measures were welcome and were needed at the time but they were temporary in nature. I want to move the system onto permanent measures that are sustainable, costed, fair, equitable and baked into the system for evermore. That will be of far greater benefit to families, students and everybody in the system in the long run. Along with my colleagues across both parties and the...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I want to get away from the negativity and move towards the goal of a higher education system that achieves both excellence and access. Budget 2026 will move us a step forward towards that and build on the progress to date. Rather than scaremongering and whipping up anxiety, we should be clear with people about the supports that already exist. Households with incomes up to €115,000...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: Sinn Féin costed it at €65 million when it is actually about €135 million.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I heard Deputy Seán Crowe, who I have great time and respect for, talk about how it is a core policy of Sinn Féin to abolish fees. Someone needs to tell the Northern Ireland Executive that because fees are €5,600 across the Border and there was recently talk about bumping them up. That kind of partitionism would make a unionist blush. People see through that kind of...

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I have reiterated-----

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I have reiterated my commitment to the programme for Government. Some parties want to make noise; I want to make progress.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: It is not a policy decision. That is what I am saying.

Student Fees: Motion [Private Members] (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises that: — the Government is committed to easing the burden for students and their families; — the Government will progress its Programme for Government commitments to improve supports for students by increasing maintenance grants, reducing the student...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: No.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: Addressing shortages in critical health and social care professions, particularly in the disability sector, is a top priority for the government. In April 2025, in response to a request from the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Disability, I requested my officials to established an interdepartmental working group to address additional places and associated placements for the expansion of...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: The Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, jointly published by my Department and the then Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Deliver, and Reform, is a key commitment under my Department’s Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. It sets a clear roadmap to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the public service, targeting 750 annual registrations by 2025. Public service...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Provision (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I would like to thank the Deputy for his question. Located at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, the National Demonstration Park for modern methods of construction will serve as a national hub to showcase housing MMC products and systems. It is designed to facilitate training, awareness-raising, and industry engagement. In order to progress the Park, we have...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (8 Jul 2025)

James Lawless: I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 124, 130 and 131 together. I am acutely conscious of the financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education. I am committed to easing this burden for students and their families in a financially sustainable way. Almost all full-time undergraduate students have...