Results 5,321-5,340 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: Apologies, I did mean it that way.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: This does not need to be in legislation. I am waiting to find out how such a scheme might operate and how much it might cost.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: I think the section can be deleted. The issue is how we provide funding and operate such a scheme. My opening statement applies. The word that I have been trying to use all day, is reaching a consensus. I will look again at this section on Report Stage. Amendment No. 9 seems unnecessary. I am not clear how it adds anything to what is already in the section, which as I have said can be...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: Does Senator Daly wish to comment?

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: We have a bit of consensus, Senator Daly.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: Yes.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: Amendment No. 10 would have been identical to what the Government intends with the one exception - the use of the word "required". The standard in my amendment would be "all that is reasonable." We cannot impose an obligation on public bodies that is impossible to fulfil. I want to see it established in law that public bodies have a duty to provide free interpretation in the circumstances...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: It is defined in amendment No. 3. That is right.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: I will make a couple of quick points. I understand there is a time limit.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: Senators Norris and Bacik have stated that the definition of a public body can be found in amendment No. 3 to section 2. The use of the phrase "all that is reasonable" to meet a duty is not a get-out clause because every decision by these organisations is reviewable by the Ombudsman as well. We need to ensure that decisions are examined. Of course, I share the concern expressed and I have...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: I take the Senator's point. We cannot have that situation. The positive way to deal with this is to have more interpreters, highly trained and highly regulated. It is as simple as that. That is my objective.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: We may be proposing amendments on Report Stage to delete any sections not discussed.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Committee Stage (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Senators for their contributions today and for the lively debate. I also assure members of the deaf community here today that while we have differences on different aspects of the legislation, there is unity on respecting rights and on recognising Irish Sign Language as a national language and as something that we are very proud of. I give the House a commitment that I will do...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Respite Care Services Provision (21 Jun 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 (21 Jun 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 (21 Jun 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 Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (21 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: Following a successful appeal, payment of disability allowance has been re-instated with effect from 11 January 2017. The first payment will be made by his chosen payment method on 28 June 2017. All arrears due will also issue on that date. I trust this clarifies the matter for you.

Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Accommodation Provision (20 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I agree with him that the trolley bay is effective but I also strongly agree with him that it is a temporary measure and not a long-term solution. I respect the fact that there is an issue regarding patients on trolleys and the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, and myself would never find that acceptable. I give the Deputy a commitment that I will...

Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Accommodation Provision (20 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: On behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and giving me an opportunity to update the House on the current position on South Tipperary General Hospital. I acknowledge the work of the Deputy on this matter and health matters generally. As the Deputy mentioned, the Minister visited South Tipperary General Hospital last year and is...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Home Care Packages Provision (20 Jun 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Senator Hopkins for raising this very important issue. I know that she has a long held interest in the issue of services for home help and home care packages. The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Home care is an increasingly important part of the supports...