Results 141-160 of 216 for speaker:Margaret Conlon

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (28 May 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I remain hopeful. The Minister spoke at length last night about the positive difference we have made to the education system. I believe we have delivered and will continue to do so. The Government has delivered 2,000 extra teachers in less than two years. Some €9.3 billion is being provided for education this year, a 70% increase since 2002. This level of investment is bringing...

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (28 May 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Yes, and the Progressive Democrats. We are putting resources into disadvantaged areas which is what we must do. Another factor which contributes to improved student outcome is basing our teaching promotions on merit. Promotions based on seniority alone should be left in the last century where they once flourished.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion (Resumed) (28 May 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Hard-working, diligent teachers must be provided with a pathway of progression in their workplace. Access to appropriate support and training, together with a constant drive to upgrade, update and continually improve as a teacher, will lead to a more rewarding career and to more effective outcomes for our young people passing through the education system. We must continue to attract the...

Defamation Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I am grateful for an opportunity to speak to this Bill and thank Deputy Dara Calleary for sharing time. While many changes have been introduced in the area of defamation law since the enactment of the 1961 Act, substantial reform of the law on defamation is long overdue. The large number of new forms of media and on-line activity creates potential for an increase in the number of cases of...

Written Answers — World Trade Negotiations: World Trade Negotiations (30 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 51: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he is taking to defend Irish economic interests in the World Trade Organisation negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16467/08]

Written Answers — World Trade Negotiations: World Trade Negotiations (30 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 66: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is concern at developments relating to the World Trade Organisation and that, specifically, there is dismay at the negotiating position being adopted by Commissioner Mandelson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16468/08]

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this very important debate, one which has a huge effect on the people I represent. This Bill is the first step in expanding the functions of EirGrid, in line with the Government's energy policy framework. EirGrid's current statutory functions as transmission system operator include the operation, planning and development of the Irish electricity...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I wish to share time with Deputy John Cregan.

Health Services: Motion (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I attended a presentation by Brí on 12 March here in Leinster House and that presentation gave me a great insight into the needs of people who suffer brain injury. While most people assume that strokes and traumatic brain injuries are the main cause of acquired brain injury, I learned there are many other causes. We must always strive...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I wish to share time with Deputy Calleary.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: A host of challenges and opportunities face the European Union and its member states. Meeting these collectively is in all our interests. The Lisbon reform treaty will improve the way the EU works, making it more effective at national and European level and on the world stage. The EU has helped build an unbroken peace in Europe for 50 years. It has helped guide Greece, Portugal and Spain...

Unemployment Rate: Motion (Resumed). (3 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to comment on the amendment to the motion. It is important that certain key steps are taken to ensure that Ireland remains a highly competitive economy. At the top of that agenda, there must be no delay in delivering the national development plan. The Government has shown that it fully intends to do this, as evidenced by the Tánaiste...

Written Answers — Health Service Staff: Health Service Staff (2 Apr 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 440: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the plans to appoint a full-time epileptologist in the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12395/08]

Written Answers — Health Service Staff: Health Service Staff (5 Mar 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 205: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical officer has not been re-appointed for County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9549/08]

Written Answers — Hospital Staff: Hospital Staff (5 Mar 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason transfers are not being permitted between hospitals for staff nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9550/08]

Written Answers — Hospital Staff: Hospital Staff (5 Mar 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 207: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the terms and conditions for staff nurses who wish to take special leave, or sick leave; if the employment for permanent staff will not be available to them if they take extended leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9551/08]

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (5 Mar 2008)

Margaret Conlon: Question 327: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in the delivery of broadband in parts of County Monaghan, the consequence of which is denying opportunities for businesses to start up there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9548/08]

Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion (Resumed) (5 Mar 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I am delighted to have an opportunity to address the House on this issue. I extend my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the two lads who were brutally murdered in Drimnagh. It is abhorrent that such attacks, which reflect awfully on all of us, can take place in the Ireland of 2008. I condemn this brutal killing. Such crimes highlight major flaws in society, which appears to...

Special Educational Needs: Motion (Resumed) (13 Feb 2008)

Margaret Conlon: I thank the Leas-Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to address this motion. For many years I was a teacher and during that period I witnessed and worked through years of neglect of students with special needs. In many cases, students who were unique but different were ignored. Thankfully, in 2008, vast improvements have taken place and more are coming. We have transformed the provision...

Special Educational Needs: Motion (Resumed) (13 Feb 2008)

Margaret Conlon: The children in these classes have access to a programme of work that is geared to their individual needs and adapted if necessary if it is found not to be best suited to their needs. They are able to attend mainstream classes when it is in line with their abilities. These schools enable and foster social integration, and the pupils integrate well with their peers. The staff were...