Results 81-100 of 5,475 for speaker:Gerard Craughwell

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Online Learning at University: Discussion (3 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Professor Brown spoke about common guidelines rather than standards. Does he see this as something the academic world should work on or which the Government should lay down? He also mentioned the infrastructure around the country. During my time with the London School of Economics, we delivered programmes in places such as Cavan and north Mayo by holding weekend top ups. Recently, a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Online Learning at University: Discussion (3 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: I would not have thought, I am just thinking ahead.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Online Learning at University: Discussion (3 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: It does extend the working week if one is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to one's students. I have seen people become so engrossed in it that it has almost led to divorce or the breakdown of relationships - "Go away, dear, I've got to actually engage with my students here."

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: I wish to raise three issues. We had a wonderful debate yesterday evening on homelessness. As a result of my former colleagues, the teachers of this country, being forced to take to the streets on a one-day strike, the Government has saved €5 million in salary payments. My colleagues feel well justified in their strike action but they would be happy to see the money saved diverted...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: I appreciate that.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: I rise to request an amendment to the Order of Business. I was rather shocked at the weekend to find out that an eminent group had been put together to come up with proposals for the reform of the Seanad. Democracy is a fragile thing and during the life of this Government the democracy of the country has suffered quite severely by having decisions made by a small group of people on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: I would love to bring the Taoiseach before the House to discuss the matter but I doubt if I will get that. If I cannot have the Taoiseach I will take the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: It is on the entire review process.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: On a point of clarification, is the Leader offering to bring a senior Minister or the Taoiseach before the House tomorrow between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. or is he suggesting we have a little chat among ourselves? I would like clarification on that.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: This is extremely important.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: The first thing I would like to do is to support Senator van Turnhout with respect to Childline. Last week I said here that because of the teachers' strike there was €4.81 million sitting in the Department of Education which would not now be paid to teachers. I asked that it be diverted to the homeless. That has not happened. We talk about cherishing our children. Our record is...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: It is my view that we must immediately have a debate in this House with the Minister responsible and demand that we have not just a cap on rental income but a cap that reduces rental income by 10% in order to bring it back to a liveable state. I am putting the House on notice that I will call for an amendment to the Order of Business next Wednesday. That is giving plenty of time. If the...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: I echo the words of all Senators who have spoken against the rush to bring the Water Services Bill 2014 to this House. The Seanad was retained as an independent House and I deeply regret the words of the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, and various other people. I also will not be intimidated by the group e-mails I am receiving that seek to force my decision-making one way or another....

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: The Leader is probably shaking in his boots this morning at the likelihood I would request an amendment to the Order of Business. I wish to withdraw my intention to seek an amendment. I thank Senator Hayden who approached me yesterday and advised me of a report on private rental property that is soon to come out. Senator Hayden has the same concerns as me so I am very happy to withdraw...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Yesterday, I advised the Leader of my view that the Water Services Bill is bring rushed through the Houses of the Oireachtas and - in light of public concern regarding this issue - stated that I would request that today's Order of Business to be amended in order that our deliberations on it be delayed until January. It is wrong that we are dealing with the Bill in this way. As a result, I...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Yes.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Gerard Craughwell: Is the Minister asking that we defer taking the Bill until January to give us plenty of time to consider it?