Results 21-40 of 7,736 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Financial Services (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 343. To ask the Minister for Finance if there are plans to change the criteria in relation to deposit requirements for house purchases in order to recognise rent payments, over many years in some cases, as proof of ability to make mortgage repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62771/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Curriculum (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 430. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of optional language subjects currently on the Leaving Certificate curriculum; the number of these which are taken as non-curricular; the number which are examinable under the Leaving Certificate; and her plans to include other languages such as Romanian to the curriculum. [62847/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the most recent total number of teachers in Irish primary schools, by number, per category (details supplied). [63435/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 477. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the research undertaken on the role of Irish language youth workers and volunteers outside Gaeltacht communities, considering the new pilot on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities; the research that will be taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63468/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 478. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills given the research pilot on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities underway, if she will provide a timeline for this; when interim findings will be expected; when future Irish language policy and practice will be shaped by this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63469/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 479. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on actions taken, or to be taken, to meet Action 2.6.2.3 of the Action Plan for Irish in English ­Medium Schools; the supports that will be provided to ensure that greater awareness of and encouragement of participation in existing Irish language youth clubs that is planned will be met; if there will be additional supports...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 480. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she can provide an update on actions taken, or to be taken, to meet Action 2.6.2.4 of the Action Plan for Irish in English ­Medium Schools; what supports will be made available to support the establishment of Irish language youth clubs and afterschool activities in areas where these are not currently available; if there will be...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 481. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if funding for Irish language youth clubs and afterschool activities will be supported outside of the Youth Affairs budget, or if funding for the implementation of the relevant actions of the Action Plan for Irish in English ­Medium Schools comes from Youth Affairs alone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63472/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 482. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of the current youth services grant scheme that is being spent on Irish language youth work; her plans to increase this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63473/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Language (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 483. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the engagement she has had with Irish language youth organisations as part of her engagement with relevant stakeholders as part of her broader work to promote inclusion and cultural participation among young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63474/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (18 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 489. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 7 October 2025, when the review of the assistive technology scheme will be completed; and the timeframe recommended changes from this review will come into effect. [63577/25]

An Bille um an Aonú Leasú is Daichead ar an mBunreacht (An Aois Vótála a Laghdú go Sé Bliana Déag), 2025: An Dara Céim [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha] - Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025: Second Stage [Private Members] (13 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I thank the Social Democrats for tabling it. Votes for 16- and 17-year-olds is a matter of fairness. In my opinion and that of my party, it is a matter of the future vitality of our democracy. For too long, we have clung to the arbitrary line in the sand drawn at 18. We tell our young people that on the eve of their 18th birthday, they are...

Science Week: Statements (13 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I welcome the opportunity to speak on statements on Science Week, the annual celebration that highlights the important role that science, technology, engineering and maths play in our lives. This week is more than just a showcase of innovation. It is a vital spark, igniting curiosity in the next generation and reminding us all of the power of evidence and inquiry. From the smartphones in...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: School Meals Programme (13 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 119. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is aware that many parents are completely dissatisfied with the school meals scheme and concerned about the quality and nutritional value of the lunches provided to schools; and the measures being taken to restore confidence in the hot school meals scheme. [59669/25]

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 23. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on disability will next meet. [53072/25]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: This is a really important area of focus. I am based in the Meath East constituency. We have a really young population there. In the context of absolutely every measure, we have a huge inadequacy of services for young people. I will be going into the House later to talk to the Taoiseach about disability services for young people and about general practice. It is across the board. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Is Foróige's perspective the same?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I am conscious of time. I have not heard from everybody. I made a general point at the outset, which was kind of a sideswipe, but when we talk about the education system, we look at Finland. In the youth sector, is there a place the witnesses look towards and say that is where we need to be?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: It is Finland.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Can I ask something in relation to that in my last 20 seconds? I assume strong municipalities, strong local government, is a feature in those places.