Results 17,621-17,640 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (17 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: When legislation such as the Bill proposed by Senator Mark Daly is before the House, I examine its strengths. As I stated at the beginning of this process, I have an open mind and am open to persuasion. Having listened to the comments of Senators Warfield and Mark Daly, I am fully persuaded of the merits of this amendment and I propose to accept it.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (17 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I am pleased that we have been able to reach agreement on the amendment to this section. As we have seen in recent days, television broadcasting services are a vital aspect of life in terms of access to information, recreation and education. It is especially important to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Ensuring access to television services for people with disabilities contributes...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (17 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I endorse the comments of Senator Mark Daly. Television broadcasting services are a vital aspect of modern life. It is wrong that thousands of people would not be directly involved. It is important to note that action was taken when this issue was highlighted. However, I accept the point that it should not have to reach that stage. I reiterate that we are discussing equality, dignity and...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (17 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: Amendment No. 40 proposes to delete section 30, whereas Senator Mark Daly's amendment proposes to retain and amend it to specify issues in respect of education which should be reported on in the reviews and to provide that each subsequent review should take place at five-year intervals. I will not oppose this amendment in the interest of agreeing a Bill by consensus. I am happy to listen to...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (17 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank all our colleagues for their comments. Education is an important part of Irish life and an important issue for me about which I speak regularly. This legislation is about funding and resources for members of the deaf community and we have been negotiating funding over recent months. Having the funding for the services is key. I would be interested to hear a little more about the...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Report and Final Stages (17 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank everyone here and especially thank and commend my colleague, Senator Mark Daly, on having done fantastic work over recent months and on having fought on the issue for a number of years. I also thank Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee for the outstanding work she did with Senator Daly on this. I thank all Senators here, my Independent colleagues and members of the Government, Sinn...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Funding (18 Oct 2017)

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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Services Provision (18 Oct 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...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update On Health Issues: Discussion (18 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: What was the question?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update On Health Issues: Discussion (18 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Senator. To give the broader picture, in 2017 some 1.4 million personal assistant hours were provided for 2,400 people. With regard to the data question on the assignment of PAs, which is important, it is collated on an aggregate basis at present. The HSE can provide gross figures for the number of PA hours and the number of persons in receipt of personal assistance. The HSE...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (19 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. This Government remains committed to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: UN Declarations (19 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I wholeheartedly support the aims of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and will use the day in December to raise awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities. I would encourage groups operating in the Disability Sector to highlight and support the occasion. This year, the theme of the day is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Transport Support Scheme (19 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the proposed Health (Transport Support) Bill with the Joint Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday 11th October. The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Autism Support Services (19 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Senator Byrne for raising this matter. I have good deal to say on this issue and I share her concern about those particular cases. I will deal first with the broader issues involved and then respond to the issue she raised. I commend her on her work in area of disabilities, particularly in the Limerick and north Tipperary areas. I thank her for her support of the Irish Sign...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Autism Support Services (19 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: Absolutely, First, I give a commitment that I will take them on board and, second, the important element, as I mentioned in my reply, is the availability of resources. As a group, Senators, Deputies and Ministers must ensure they push for the maximum resources. We did a good deal of work during the Estimates process recently. There is also an issue regarding speech and language therapy...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (24 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. This Government remains committed to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Occupational Therapy Expenditure (24 Oct 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: Disability Services Provision (24 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 to 225, inclusive, 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: Health Services Funding (24 Oct 2017)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together. My Department administered a National Lottery Discretionary Fund up to and including 2016, from which once-off grants were paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a wide range of health related services. My Department no longer operates a National Lottery Fund. I have included below a table which outlines the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: HIQA Inspections (24 Oct 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...