Results 21,841-21,860 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (13 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: Following a review of the entitlement of the person in question, disability allowance (DA) was disallowed with effect from 17 July 2019 as she was deemed to have means in excess of the statutory limit for her circumstances. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 31 July 2019 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Invalidity Pension Eligibility (13 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.  To qualify for IP claimants must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications (13 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 5th March 2019.  The application was not allowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility for the allowance. A letter issued on the 1st May 2019 outlining the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance. In the case of an application which is refused,...

Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities: Motion (13 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I thank Senators for raising this motion. I particularly thank Senators Conway and Lawlor for proposing and seconding it. I also thank Senators Swanick, Coffey, Boyhan, Buttimer, and Devine for their contributions. I welcome the opportunity to restate this Government's commitment to supporting people with disabilities and their families. I also welcome Professor David Keegan and Mr. Kevin...

Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities: Motion (13 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: Senator Conway has highlighted a very important issue and I thank him for his work in respect of it. The fact is that four out of five people lose their sight and that should not happen. He also raised the issue of waiting lists and I agree with him that we must tackle them. The Senator mentioned the link between the medical profession and NGOs. I agree that we must develop the link.From...

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I am grateful for the opportunity to have this important debate. When I became Minister of State with responsibility for disability services, I made three firm commitments, namely, to reform disability services, invest in those services and, most important, ensure the services are person-centred. It was essential to learn at first hand about the challenges and practical difficulties faced...

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I would be surprised.

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I know.

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Deputies who have spoken on this important issue. I welcome the opportunity to debate this important topic and the Government generally strives constantly to improve waiting times.

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I have no problem. I will support allowing time for the Deputy.

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: After all that.

Progressing Children's Disability Services: Statements (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I welcome the debate on this important topic. It is only right that I, as the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, and the Government, which constantly strives to improve waiting times for access to services for children, outline the measures we are taking. Everyone who has spoken during the debate, irrespective of party affiliation, shares a common desire, namely, to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medicinal Products Availability (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputies Chambers, Ó Caoláin and Curran for raising this important issue. As far as I am concerned, I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris, who sends his apologies. I will not fob anybody off. I fully recognise that spinal muscular atrophy places considerable strain on SMA sufferers and that families are anxious to see their children who...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medicinal Products Availability (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: First, there is nothing else going on-----

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medicinal Products Availability (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: -----behind the scenes. As far as I am concerned I fully recognise this is a very important time for patients, their families and carers. As to the answer to the question, 11 children have been approved for Spinraza treatment in Temple Street Children's University Hospital and four patients have received the treatment of the medicine to date. Three of these started on 7 November at...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Traveller Community (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty. In July, MABS Travellers published a report addressing energy poverty among Travellers living in mobile homes and trailers. This report, which was based on analysis of 65 households last autumn, found that 77% of Travellers who live in mobile homes are in energy...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Traveller Community (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: I accept the point on Traveller accommodation and health and mortality issues. Nobody is disputing those points and I accept that we must respond to them. In my response on behalf of the Minister, I stated the exceptional needs payments and the option of contacting the local Intreo office could deal with heating cost issues. I will bring the local authority planning permission matter to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Speech and Language Therapy Staff (14 Nov 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 Provision (14 Nov 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: Disability Services Data (14 Nov 2019)

Finian McGrath: The Report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion” proposes a new model of support in the community moving people from Congregated settings to the community in line with Government policy. The Report identified around 4,000 people (based on 2008 census) with disabilities in Ireland living in congregated settings, defined as a...