Results 15,221-15,240 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Leaders' Questions (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: Even Deputy Shane Ross.

Topical Issue Debate: Respite Care Services Provision (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Fergus O'Dowd for raising this important issue. I commend him for his work as a strong advocate for people with disabilities in the County Louth area and particularly in relation to this issue of St. Mary's in Drumcar and the PEER project, which I am also working on. I will outline my position on services for people with disabilities who need residential supports from the...

Topical Issue Debate: Respite Care Services Provision (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: Deputy O'Dowd made a number of crucial points. He is correct to say we need to listen to the families of people who need respite care. This case is not necessarily about funding but the management of resources. I agree with the Deputy's remarks that we cannot have section 38 organisations being given a certain amount of funding only for us to wake up on a Sunday morning to read in the...

Topical Issue Debate: Respite Care Services Provision (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: That is a scandal and something I will not accept as Minister. My focus is on the people with the disability and their families. The cancellations to which the Deputy referred are also not acceptable in this day and age. It is not good enough. Respite beds are also important and I will follow up on the broader issues raised by the Deputy. I am aware of the work that goes on in the St....

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Social Welfare Benefits (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: The rate of payment of disability allowance (DA) quoted by the deputy is the maximum rate payable for a single person who is living alone. There are currently approximately 2,600 people in receipt of the mortgage interest supplement scheme for which the Government has provided over €7 million for in 2016. The scheme was discontinued for new applicants from 1 January 2014, with...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I can confirm that my department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 11 May 2016. On 30 June 2016 the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on her eligibility. On receipt of this information, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: The person in question appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) a decision by a deciding officer to disallow his application for disability allowance (DA). Following due consideration and taking all available evidence into account, the appeal of the person in question was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO) on 16 February 2016. He was notified of this decision in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (6 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: The Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme is operated by the Revenue Commissioners and is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance (7 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: Disability allowance is a means-tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation. The assessment of income is dealt with under Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. I can confirm that no statutory social welfare payment, including carer’s benefit, being received by a spouse/civil partner/ cohabitant is assessed as...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (7 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 23 June 2016. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (7 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I confirm the department received an application for disability allowance (DA) on 8 June 2015. In order to determine the circumstances of the person concerned, his file was forwarded to his local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI). A decision on his entitlement to DA will be made on receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector’s report. The person concerned will be notified directly of the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (7 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Autism Support Services (7 Jul 2016)

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 Provision (7 Jul 2016)

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 (7 Jul 2016)

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: Home Care Packages (7 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Services Provision (7 Jul 2016)

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: HSE Properties (7 Jul 2016)

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...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony for her comments. I will work with all Opposition Members in improving services for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The establishment of a task force on personalised budgets is a key element of the commitment in the programme for Government to give people with disabilities greater control, independence and choice. Personalised...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: Yes.