Results 16,561-16,580 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters Relative to Disability Service in the South East and Related Matters) (Revised): Motion (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: She could have done something about it. I am only a few months in the job.

Topical Issue Debate: Services for People with Disabilities (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of transport for people with disabilities attending HSE funded day services, particularly St. Michael’s House. I welcome the opportunity to outline the current position in this regard. I will also deal with some of the individual questions the Deputy asked. The provision of transport to adults with a disability attending HSE...

Topical Issue Debate: Services for People with Disabilities (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I have listened carefully to what Deputy Ó Caoláin has said about these particular seven young people. I accept his point that within the disability community there are young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities who have complex needs. I accept his argument in that regard. However, it must be noted that St. Michael's House received €72.7 million in funding in...

Topical Issue Debate: Services for People with Disabilities (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: The service is in Baldoyle, so they would need four routes to get them there. Is that right?

Topical Issue Debate: Disabilities Assessments (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Brendan Smith for raising this matter. On a recent visit to Monaghan, I met him and Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. I thank the people of the area, including many of the parents we met at the intellectual disabilities facility in Monaghan. I also saw examples of good practice in the Monaghan area. I was delighted to find that Monaghan is the only area in Ireland...

Topical Issue Debate: Disabilities Assessments (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I will not accept a two-tier system. However, I accept that we cannot have an assessment service only. We have to move on that. There are huge demands on existing services. As the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, it is my job to ensure we develop these services. As I explained earlier, we have a problem recruiting people. Unfortunately, the disability services...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Illness Benefit Applications (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: Illness benefit is a payment for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. For illness benefit claims made in 2017 the governing PRSI contribution year is 2015. The rate of payment depends onthe person’s level of earnings in the governing contribution year. Where the average weeklyearnings are €300 or...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: This man has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 28thDecember 2016. The first payment will be made by his chosen payment method on 29thMarch 2017. Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable). I trust this clarifies...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications Waiting Times (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: As previously confirmed to the Deputy an application from this lady for disability allowance (DA) was received by my department on 13 May 2016. The application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. The SWI has met with the person and once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Domiciliary Care Allowance Eligibility (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: The domiciliary care allowance application from this lady was disallowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A letter issued on the 8th December 2016 advising of this decision. A review of this decision was requested on 22nd February 2017 and additional information on her child’s condition/care needs has been supplied. The...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Wage Subsidy Scheme (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together. The Wage Subsidy Scheme is an employment support scheme aimed at employers in the private sector and is designed to incentivise the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market. To participate on the scheme an employee must work a minimum of 21 hours per week up to a maximum of 39 hours per week. In the past 5...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Payments (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I can confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this gentleman on 16 January 2017. On 7 March 2017 the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on his eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Services for People with Disabilities (9 Mar 2017)

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: Services for People with Disabilities (9 Mar 2017)

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: Health Services Data (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together. The Government is committed to providing services and supports to 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. The commitment is outlined...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Respite Care Services (9 Mar 2017)

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: Health Services (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together. The Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2017 contains a priority to finalise and progress implementation of the framework for the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. Full implementation of the Strategy will, of necessity, be a longer term project. The Department of Health has agreed with the HSE that the focus...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Community Care Provision (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: The HSE’s report Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion (2011), proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community. The plan is being rolled out at a regional and local level and involves full consultation with stakeholders. The programme for Government contains a commitment to...

Seanad: Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters Relative to Disability Service in the South East and Related Matters): Motion (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Members for the opportunity to speak in the Seanad today. The House will by now be fully aware of the historical abuse allegations raised in respect of a foster care home in the south east, and, in particular, those relating to a young woman known as Grace. At the outset, I wish to reiterate an apology given by the Taoiseach. The very least we can do is apologise sincerely and...

Seanad: Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters Relative to Disability Service in the South East and Related Matters): Motion (9 Mar 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Senators for their contributions and their support for the commission of investigation. They have probably heard that I met yesterday with colleagues from across the House and listened to their concerns, as I am listening to Senators' major concerns and points today. The revised terms of reference have been circulated and people know about the issues with which I am dealing....