Results 721-740 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: Hear, hear.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I strongly support the amendment because it is a significant one and its inclusion would add to the legislation. When we are talking about social services and basically services for people with disabilities — I am referring to all people with disabilities — we should reflect on what has been the reality for the past 20 years, namely, that this State has been a cold house for people with...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I move amendment No. 46: In page 11, line 27, after "request" to insert "without undue delay". Amendment No. 46 is very important in the context of the significance of delays in the provision of services to people with disabilities. We cannot allow circumstances to continue to exist in which families must wait for services. People are directly affected. The whole ethos of the legislation must...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: It is a women's club.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I move amendment No. 55: In page 12, lines 22 to 26, to delete all words from and including "unless" in line 22 down to and including "disability" in line 26.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I move amendment No. 57: In page 12, line 28, to delete "endeavour to".

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I move amendment No. 59: In page 12, lines 39 to 44, to delete all words from and including "unless" in line 39 down to and including "disability" in line 44.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I strongly support amendment No. 63 in the name of Deputy Ó Snodaigh. It is an important amendment because it deals with the carer or the family carer. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the many carers and commend and thank them for their fantastic work. It is essential that they are respected, that their voices are heard and that they are given the maximum financial support. This is...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: In regard to carers, it is important to put on record that there have been advances. For example, the budget provided for improvements in social welfare payments to people with disability and their carers. A €14 increase was provided for those in receipt of the disability allowance, increasing the maximum weekly payment to €148.80. For those not in receipt of the disability allowance who...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: My amendment No. 117 states: In page 19, line 2, after "standards" to insert "within a specified timeframe". Time is important when dealing with disability. To paraphrase the saying that one has only one chance at life, a person with a disability must ensure that there are no delays or hiccups in life. I received a letter from 200 parents in Waterford which is relevant to this amendment. They...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: She is a new Deputy.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: Watch the Independents.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I wish to clarify one issue with the Minister of State in regard to my amendment No. 117. Did the Minister of State say he accepted the principle and the vision in the amendment and will bring it to the Seanad?

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Minister of State for that and commend him. Even though there are times where we disagree in debates, it is important when people listen. I acknowledge that and thank the Minister of State.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I support Deputy Stanton's amendment No. 66 and will speak on my amendment No. 80. The important phrase is "in the case of urgent conditions, to commence immediately, which should be completed without undue delay, within a maximum period of 3 months from commencement". We all know from experience that crises arise within the disability sector. Families face difficulties due to lack of...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I move amendment No. 68: In page 14, line 7, to delete "of circumstances" and substitute the following: "in the personal circumstances of the applicant or to the services available to meet the needs of the applicant". This amendment again addresses services and the needs of the applicant. In discussing services and the needs of people with disabilities these are key issues for the...

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I move amendment No. 71: In page 14, line 16, to delete "may" and substitute "shall".

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: Some €60 million.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: The Dublin Port tunnel is €200 million over budget.

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 May 2005)

Finian McGrath: I strongly support amendment No. 73, whereby the liaison officer would be independent in the performance of his or her functions. It is a very important and strong amendment. On the broader question, families with members with disabilities are concerned that the resource issue arises constantly. The Minister always puts forward the Government viewpoint and especially that of the Department of...