Results 1-20 of 11,425 for speaker:Niall Collins

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: I thank the Senator. Amendments Nos. 57, 58, 59 and 60 deal with section 15 on the board of the agency. These are standard provisions based on existing legislation establishing agencies. For amendment No. 60, the phrase “or a Minister of the Government” refers to the Minister for Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform. This is a standard provision implementing...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: On directions of Ministers, the powers of the Minister under section 3, relating to regulations and orders, are standard, as evidenced in the Consumer Protection Act 2014 and the Freedom of Information Act 2014. Section 11 is also a standard provision, modelled on the provisions in existing legislation establishing agencies, including Tailte Éireann and the Domestic, Sexual and...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: In terms of amendment Nos. 70 and 71 which deal with section 23, the corporate plan of agency, the Senators wish to require consultation with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the joint committee in preparing the corporate plan. This would be highly unusual. Where there is a specific consultation requirement in previous legislation, it is as laid out as in the existing provision and it...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: We fully understand the Senators' intentions with these amendments but we argue the existing provisions contain the capacity for the kind of consultation and communication the agency will need in terms of planning. The proposed amendment would not be usual and the provision is already in the Bill for the CEO to communicate with committees as requested. We agree public funding is crucial....

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: Amendment No. 74 deals with section 28. The chief executive officer will be appointed for an ordinary term. This was proposed in the heads of the Bill and the appointment is in place. Appointments to public bodies are well understood and operate according to established principles, which I do not see merit in altering. We also need clarity of purpose and continuity of leadership in the...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: The section has been drafted as a standard provision and primarily relates to situations that may arise involving ongoing legal cases where the integrity of the case is paramount and to ensure respect for the separation of powers, as provided for under the Constitution. This does not interfere with any functions or powers of any aspect of the Oireachtas as the provision is already completely...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: The section gives detailed guidance on how to deal with these matters, should they arise, with the High Court being the ultimate arbiter. The use of the words "has been" covers matters that may be the subject of an appeal, for example.

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: I have no more to say.

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: Amendment No. 78 relates to section 35 and making the information concerning funding schemes accessible. Again, the requirements for transparency and open competition already capture this. In terms of equality, diversity and inclusion considerations, this is captured in the objects of the agency under section 8(f), where it is required to "advance the principles of equality, diversity and...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: To comment again on the parity of esteem point, Senators will recall that the agency, under section 8, will be charged with supporting "the undertaking of research and innovation in all fields of activity and disciplines by researchers with different levels of knowledge, experience and specialist skills in such fields or disciplines". The Bill states "all fields" of research.

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: The agency will also be required "to promote and support the contribution made by research and innovation to economic, social, cultural and environmental development and sustainability in the State". Yes, this is about economic development but it is also about social, cultural and environmental progress. No one concept is elevated above another here. In fact, they all have parity.

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: Amendments Nos. 82, 86, 87 and 88 relate to section 37 regarding the assessment of applications and awards of funding for research and innovation and section 43 concerning non-compliance with conditions of funding for research and innovation. We cannot accept amendment No. 82 for the same reasons as stated regarding amendment No. 79. Funding award processes will be independent and adhere to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: 210. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a matter (details supplied). [20563/24]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Further and Higher Education (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: Section 32 of the Further Education and Training Act 2013 requires SOLAS to submit its annual report to me no later than the following 31st May, while section 31 requires it to submit its draft financial statements no later than 1st March to the Comptroller and Auditor General. I can confirm that SOLAS submitted its draft 2023 financial statements to the Comptroller and Auditor General on...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Boards (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: The Operational Guidelines Working Group is a sub-group of the Directors of Further Education and Training (FET) Forum created under the auspices of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). It comprises nominees from the 16 ETBs, ETBI and SOLAS, a project consultant, and is chaired by an ETB FET Director. The Working Group is developing updated and revised draft guidelines for...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Programmes (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: All Youthreach centres are required to have a programme plan for work experience in place. Work experience is a central part of the Youthreach programme and the Youthreach Operational Guidelines requires all centres to have a work experience programme plan to enable learners explore possible career paths through preparing and planning for, participating in and then evaluating a specific work...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Legal Services (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: Work experience is a central part of the Youthreach programme. The Youthreach Operational Guidelines provide for all centres to have a programme plan for work experience, to enable learners explore possible career paths through preparing and planning for, participating in and then evaluating a specific work placement. Youthreach centres undertake a risk assessment before a learner...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Programmes (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: The Youthreach programme is a national full-time programme for unemployed early school leavers generally between 16 and 20 years of age and is delivered in two settings, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres. The Operational Guidelines on Youthreach provide for a year of 225 days, with learners being required to attend for 208 days. Individual learner plans are developed for each...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Programmes (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: The Youthreach Operational Guidelines provide that centres may arrange programme activities over the summer period before the centre closes in addition to the minimum 208 learner days. The provision of such programmes or activities is not mandatory. It is a matter for each ETB to determine having regard to the needs of the learners, the estimated attendance over the period and the potential...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Community Development Projects (8 May 2024)

Niall Collins: 668. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an application (details supplied) was unsuccessful; if any similar proposals were successful in this round or in previous rounds; if this group can reapply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20594/24]