Results 4,541-4,560 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (7 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: This lady submitted an application for disability allowance on 28 July 2017. The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and she was notified in writing of this decision on 23 November 2017. The person was also notified of her right to a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date no additional...

Neurological Services: Motion [Private Members] (6 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank and commend Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony for raising this very important topic and motion. I welcome the opportunity to state the Government's commitment to the publication of a plan for advancing neurorehabilitation services in the community, which is included in a Programme for a Partnership Government. Hence, the Government decided not to oppose the motion. I think we are all...

Leaders' Questions (6 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: Not true.

Leaders' Questions (6 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: Not true. Do not say, "there is no grasp".

Leaders' Questions (6 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: That is rubbish.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (6 Dec 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. I am pleased that, at its meeting...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Motorised Transport Grant Closure (6 Dec 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...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Disability Allowance Appeals (6 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I confirm that the Department was notified by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 29 November 2017 that the appeal for this lady was upheld and she was deemed to be medically suitable for the scheme.On 4 December 2017 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...

Topical Issue Debate: UN Conventions (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I have just come from a Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet has agreed to formally ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Today's Government decision is a significant milestone. I am delighted that my colleagues in government have supported me in deciding that the Convention should be ratified by Ireland. We will be returning to this at the next Government meeting...

Topical Issue Debate: UN Conventions (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: The major announcement today is that the Cabinet - I have just come from that Cabinet meeting - formally adopted and supported my proposal to ratify the UN Convention. The other issues that are in place are as follows. As I stated previously, the €3 million for the Decision Support Service has been allocated. The legislation will be published tomorrow and we will move on from...

Topical Issue Debate: UN Conventions (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: It is not exactly.

Topical Issue Debate: UN Conventions (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: We have moved on a significant distance over the past number of months. There have been major improvements, a major move in direction. There is something important I want to point out to Deputy Gino Kenny on the key aspect here on the deprivation of liberty. I want to have space and time to have consultations with every disabled person, every civic group, every senior citizens' group,...

Topical Issue Debate: UN Conventions (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I would say early in the new year.

Topical Issue Debate: Community Employment Schemes Administration (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I take the points made by Deputy Ó Laoghaire on the need for more information. If there is a CE scheme experience with particular difficulties in recruitment, the sponsor should contact the local Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection offices to enable the matter to be reviewed. It is important to know that there are 1,422 CE vacancies advertised on www.jobsireland.ieat...

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I value and acknowledge the work of the task force and I accept the point that more needs to be done. However, Deputies Crowe and Lahart must accept that in 2018 we intend to spend €27.65 million so it is wrong to say nothing is being done. When one breaks down the funding it is apparent that €24,250 was allocated to Fettercairn estate management-----

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: A total of €24,250 was allocated to the Killinarden community safety forum.

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: A total of €5,416 was allocated to St. Dominic's community response. The sum of €37,775 was received by Brookfield addiction support programme. Swan family support received €43,951. Barnardos Rivendell project was allocated €233,596. Those are examples of actions that are happening on the ground. I accept the point the Deputies made but we also have a broader...

Topical Issue Debate: Community Employment Schemes Administration (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire for raising this important issue concerning community employment schemes. The aim of the community employment programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities. The programme helps to break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person's...

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: I will be taking this matter on behalf of Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne. I thank Deputies Lahart and Crowe for raising the important issue of funding and governance requirements in regard to the Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force. Local and regional drug and alcohol task forces play an important role in the development of drugs initiatives at local level to provide a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Disability Activation Projects (5 Dec 2017)

Finian McGrath: The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities was launched in October 2015. The Strategy sets out a ten-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities who are able to, and want to, work are supported and enabled to do so. It is a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and state agencies in a concerted effort to address the...