Results 81-100 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

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

Ann Ormonde: How much of this debate is the result of spin doctoring? I have never experienced—

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

Ann Ormonde: —such spin doctoring as that which I have witnessed this evening. However, the Opposition Senators are going nowhere. It is empty as a tin can without anything in it.

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

Ann Ormonde: The Senator should not distract me. This debate is concerned with how best we can encourage people to enter a suitable area of education in order to maximise their ability and potential. The challenge for us in the future will be to realise that the profile has changed. There are post-leaving certificate courses and excellent courses on offer.

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

Ann Ormonde: We have to talk about that issue in a broader context. As already stated, there are many programmes on offer and people in the middle income category should not have to pay fees. I make no apologies for saying that. However, there is no harm in examining this matter.

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

Ann Ormonde: What is wrong with looking at the system of third level fees and the opportunities and challenges that exist? I have no difficulty with that. The Minister is right to call for a review. When it is complete, we could engage in a brainstorming exercise—

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

Ann Ormonde: There has been so much spin doctoring in respect of this matter this evening I feel that, when I leave the Chamber, further spin will be put on it. Where do we go from here?

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

Ann Ormonde: Let us have the review; it is as simple as that. We do not have to ask the Progressive Democrats anything.

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.