I will begin by referring to the end of Deputy Durkan’s contribution on this amendment when he used the phrase “more confidence”. The quickest way to instill confidence is to pass this legislation. This is why while I agree with the sentiments of the amendment wholeheartedly, it would be flawed to place this type of constraint on the Minister. I agree that the worldwide financial system is shattered. As far as I am concerned, it is a global pyramid scheme. The financial markets have long since left marking their speculation against value. If one could return to the gold standard at least one would have something to measure it against. Today, most of the world market is based on speculation. It is based on human emotion, greed and fear. It is not based on any reality.
To ask the Minister for Education and Science the constraints being placed on his Department by the Department of Finance in terms of much needed funding for school building projects; if he has satisfied himself with these constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out in terms of funding allocations being provided for new buildings; his views on whether an accelerated school building and extension programme and energy efficient refurbishment programme would be beneficial, in view of the fact that it would stimulate the construction sector; if no such analysis has been carried out if he will commence such a study; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. Given the limited time available, I would like to focus on just a couple of issues. It is important to reiterate that since 2004, investment in special education has doubled to €900 million, 6,000 additional special education staff have been put in place and training for teachers has been dramatically improved. As the Minister for Education and Science has stated, the provisions of the Education for People with Special Educational Needs Act are being phased in and will, hopefully, be fully implemented by 2010.
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing a system of refundable deposits on beverage containers as part of the shift in priorities regarding waste management as outlined in the Programme for Government.
ClondalkinSchool SiteWednesday, 12 November 2008To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position of plans to find a new permanent school for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22..Gaelscoil na Camoige Clondalkin + Full Story
Dáil QuestionsSports Hall FundingWednesday, 12 November 2008To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the stated aim of originally funding the sports hall at schools (details supplied) in County Dublin and the two Tallaght sports halls, he... + Full Story
Dáil QuestionsVEC FundingWednesday, 12 November 2008To ask the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided to the vocational educational committees for 2009 versus 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. + Full Story
Dáil QuestionsSports HallsWednesday, 12 November 2008To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the stated aim of originally funding the sports hall at schools (details below) in County Dublin and the two Tallaght sports halls, he... + Full Story
