Results 15,421-15,440 of 20,682 for speaker:Mary Hanafin
- Social Welfare Code. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: ââto meet those targets, as shown in the outlined figures. A certain target was set for 2012 and another for 2016, both of which are a long way off. We are working towards the targets. No matter my position, I have always valued independent advice and research and evidence-based data. It is important that this trend continues in my work.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 142 together. The development of a national carers strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement Towards 2016 and the programme for Government. A working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach is working on developing the strategy. My Department provides the secretariat to the working group, which also...
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: The Deputy will be well aware that, according to Towards 2016, the strategy was due for publication by the end of 2007, but there was a particular pressure on the Green Paper on Pensions at the time.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: Simultaneously, the new arrangements for payments for nursing homes were being worked out.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: Yes, but it was not possible for the same officialsââ
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: ââto work on everything, particularly something that needs the care and attention of a carers strategy.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: The commitment was given in Towards 2016.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: I would be quite happy to tell the House why it did not occur, but perhaps the Deputy might be more interested to know what will occur.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: Certainly. Last year, one group of officials was working on two major items, namely, the carers strategy and the Green Paper on Pensions. Work was also ongoing in respect of nursing homes, a matter in which the Department of Social and Family Affairs had an input. That the paper and the carers strategy were not published at the time did not take from the Government's commitment, as shown...
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: It is not an indication of a lack of commitment on the part of the Government that the strategy has not yet been publishedââ
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: Significant provisions have been put in place to recognise the important work of carers in society. Since then, work has been ongoing on submissions, meetings and consultations. That work is now drawing towards completion. It involves not only my Department but also the Department of the Taoiseach and, in particular, the Department of Health and Children. Most carers have concerns, for...
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: Last year's budget afforded more recognition to carers than any of its predecessors.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: It is important where strategies are being devised, particularly when they involve cross-departmental input, that they are given the care and attention they require. The bringing forward of the budget has put pressure on all Departments and Ministers.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: It is our intention to continue to work on the critically important pensions strategy. We are working towards completing that, as well as the carers strategy.
- National Carers Strategy. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: I will be pleased to deliver on the programme for Government commitments as soon as the budgetary position allows. I will publish the strategy immediately after I bring it to Government.
- Tax Code. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: Under the PRSI system, social insurance contributions are compulsorily payable by employers and employed and self-employed workers. In the case of employees' contributions, the amount payable is determined by reference to reckonable earnings in a weekly period and is subject to a range of thresholds and an annual ceiling. The PRSI exemption on low earnings stands at â¬352 per week. In...
- Tax Code. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any measures being discussed in the context of the budget. Deputy Morgan referred to what are revenue-raising measures for the Exchequer. However, PRSI contributions go directly into the social insurance fund and cannot be diverted for other purposes. Any changes in PRSI provisions must be made with the agreement of the Minister for...
- Tax Code. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: The current deficit in the fund can be met in this and for some future years from the accumulated surplus. Therefore, there is no need as yet to plug the gap. However, it will be important to keep the situation under review. We must examine all revenue-raising measures and savings in terms of how they impact on families. This is one of the measures that is kept under review by both...
- Tax Code. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: I have not made any comment on discussions that have taken place in regard to the budget. I am not at liberty to do so.
- Social Welfare Benefits. (21 Oct 2008)
Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 118 and 169 together. The living alone allowance or living alone increase as it is now known, is an additional payment of â¬7.70 per week to people who are in receipt of certain social welfare type payments and who live alone. The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone. The policy in regard...