Results 20,861-20,880 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Disability Support Services (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and particularly for the manner in which he raised it. I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to the issue. I am aware of the urgent case of this child which has been the subject of media attention this morning. While it would not be appropriate for me to go into the specifics of any individual case here in the House, I can say...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Disability Support Services (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: Okay, right. I also am advised by the HSE that this child does not require hospital care. However, I have been assured that the community disability services in the CHO 8 area are actively addressing this issue and exploring all possible options in securing appropriate services for this child as a matter of urgency. The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Disability Support Services (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: I accept the Deputy's point that there is an urgent need and that this must be a top priority. I am aware of the details and will deal with this issue directly. We all share a common desire for the best possible policies and services for people with disabilities, including autism, and particularly in the case of children with special needs. In my capacity as Minister of State, I want...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Support Services (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: This Government’s on-going priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. We are committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives. Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services over the past number of years. Since this Government...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disabilities Assessments (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disabilities Assessments (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is...

Written Answers — Department of Health: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: As Minister of State for Disabilities I was pleased to ratify the UNCRPD for Ireland in April of last year, 2018.  The Convention provides that people with disabilities should have the same rights as everyone else and should be provided with the practical supports to make that aspiration a reality. It requires us to change our approach to services for people with...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Transport Support Scheme (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. On foot of a Government Decision, the Health Service Executive has continued to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme closed, (now...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Support Services Provision (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Illness Benefit Applications (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Department received an application for Illness Benefit from the person concerned on the 02 May 2019. However, the person concerned is currently a qualified adult on her partner's Jobseeker's Allowance claim.  This means that her partner is in receipt of a qualified adult allowance in respect of her. The monetary difference between this allowance and her...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Illness Benefit Payments (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The person concerned applied for Illness Benefit from the 4th March 2019. She submitted a medical certificate from the 4th March 2019 to the 8th March 2019. This certificate was not marked as a final certificate and the Department was not informed that she had returned to work. Due to a processing error the person concerned was paid up to the 22nd March 2019 resulting in an...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Invalidity Pension Applications (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 28 March 2019.  Payment will issue to his nominated post office on 06 June 2019.  Any arrears due from 28 March 2019 to 05 June 2019 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue as soon as possible.  The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on 20 May 2019. I hope...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: I assure Senator Dolan that there is a plan and strategy to develop and progress services for people with disabilities. We have to accept that in the HSE service plan for 2019, €1.904 billion is being invested in social services for people with disabilities. This is a significant investment in our disability services, the highest amount in the history of the State. This means that,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: There is a link between congregated settings, nursing home issues and young people in nursing homes. The reality is that there are 2,200 people in congregated settings and we are trying to move 160 people out this year. We would like to do more, of course. Young people in nursing homes is an issue that is closely linked to the debate around personal assistance hours and home support hours....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: When we carry out the examination and calculate the figures, we must be creative and examine exactly what is happening. Nevertheless, we need to ensure extra funding will be made available. We must fight for it. That is part of my job.

Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2018 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (28 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2018 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (28 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: This is a short, technical Bill, with only five sections to amend certain qualification recognition provisions of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. One of the requirements for registration under the Act is that the applicant must hold an approved qualification. The Bill will provide that a professional qualification which has been recognised, either by the Minister or a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Sector Staff Data (28 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: As the Deputy will be aware, Part 5 (section 47) of the Disability Act 2005 requires public sector bodies to ensure, unless there is good reason to the contrary, that 3% of the persons employed by that body are persons with disabilities. Implementation of Part 5 of the Act is monitored on an ongoing basis by the National Disability Authority. The Authority reports each year on progress made...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Occupational Therapy (28 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Respite Care Services (28 May 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is...