Results 181-200 of 1,779 for speaker:Chris Andrews

Written Answers — Third Level Examinations: Third Level Examinations (4 Dec 2008)

Chris Andrews: Question 249: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the failure rate among first year students in third level colleges; the cost to the State for repeat exams; the failure rates for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44517/08]

Urban Renewal Schemes. (9 Dec 2008)

Chris Andrews: I watched an episode of "Prime Time" last week, a programme which the public broadcaster, RTE, claimed would reveal something hugely problematic for society and the management of the regeneration process in inner city Dublin. It was most disappointing. One expected to be confronted with some huge revelations but, in fact, it was pure hype. There was nothing in the programme worth listening...

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (9 Dec 2008)

Chris Andrews: Question 235: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding that was provided for the two replacement linear accelerators that were commissioned at St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin earlier in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45102/08]

Written Answers — School Curriculum: School Curriculum (10 Dec 2008)

Chris Andrews: Question 215: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason geography is a compulsory subject for the junior certificate and science is not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45468/08]

Written Answers — School Transport: School Transport (16 Dec 2008)

Chris Andrews: Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when and the reason the school transport scheme was introduced originally; the amount it cost the Exchequer in 2005, 2006 and 2007; his views, in view of the fact that car usage has increased since the introduction of the scheme, on whether the scheme should be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46046/08]

Written Answers — School Curriculum: School Curriculum (27 Jan 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 1442: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a dispensation will be made for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4 in geography for the junior certificate. [48037/08]

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2009)

Chris Andrews: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. The purpose of the legislation is to provide for the payment of a contribution by persons in the public service, including Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and certain other office holders, who are members of an occupational pension scheme or a pension arrangement. As regards today's investigation on Anglo Irish Bank, like everybody...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: It is good to hear Deputy Rabbitte standing up for us.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: I wish to share time with Deputy Michael McGrath. I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak. Ulysses is always difficult to understand, however one reads it. The purpose of the Bill is to amend the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 to enable the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission to make investments in the public interest in listed credit institutions and it...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: It was probably an old Labour Party socialite. Is it socialist or socialite, I am not sure?

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Deputy Burton could not resist. I will not lower myself.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: On a humorous note, I saw a cartoon recently which I thought was very Irish in its humour. It was in reaction to the banking crisis. It showed a picture of two rats sitting in suits chatting to each other and one said to the other, "I hear that we are never more than ten feet from a banker". I thought that was a very Irish view of the banking sector and it highlights the depth of anger...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: I have not mentioned Tallaght although I still have a few minutes left.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Time flies when one is enjoying oneself. I said I would not rise to Deputy Burton's remarks. She said this proposal should be brought back to the House for further approval. I find it amazing that she would imply that the Labour Party would approve of anything because they have opposed everything for as long as I have been a Member of the House. The Government's recapitalisation scheme will...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 285: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on claims that Israel is partaking in a campaign of house demolition and eviction of Palestinians from Jerusalem; and the steps he is prepared to take on this issue. [9561/09]

Written Answers — School Enrolments: School Enrolments (24 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 1072: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if tax exiles are entitled to have their children educated free in Irish primary and post-primary schools or if they are expected to pay for their education; the number of children of tax exiles who are receiving free education in non-fee paying schools here; and if there are plans to review this. [11705/09]

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Deputy Durkan surpassed himself today——-

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: ——in his ability to speak for four minutes without offering any alternatives or positive suggestions. I regret the Deputy is leaving the House. It is difficult to understand how Deputy Durkan reached the conclusion that the private sector has remained untouched other than by a few job losses. Also, it is difficult to understand his theory that the global downturn has not yet impacted...

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: In addition, the budget will provide an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate its leadership and to restore confidence. It is clear that people are concerned and worried. As stated, there is no silver bullet, magic wand or road map to follow because nobody has been through this before. The constant drip of negative news in past couple of months, over which the Government had no...

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: We must get the balance right. While it might be tempting to cut spending on vital infrastructure for short-term gain, I hope the budget will take the long-term view and provide for investment in major infrastructure. Obviously, not all infrastructural projects can be delivered upon within the original timescale. We must prioritise and I believe we will do so. Caution is necessary in...