Results 6,101-6,120 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disabled Drivers Grant (8 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: The Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme, which is operated by the Revenue Commissioners, is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations Act 1994 and satisfy a range of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Respite Care Services Provision (8 Feb 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: Hospital Services (8 Feb 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.

Topical Issue Debate: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Administration (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: We can leave Lord Ross out of it. I thank Deputies Penrose and Martin Kenny for their words. I hope we have a bit of common sense when we deal with this particular issue. I am taking this matter for the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, who apologises that he cannot be here. The CIB, which receives Exchequer funding from the Department of Social Protection, is...

Topical Issue Debate: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Administration (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I take Deputy Penrose’s point about the town councils. It was a bad decision at the time. The restructuring sub-committee is expected to report its findings on the optimal regional structure for CIS and MABS companies to the board of the CIB shortly. It is important to remember that the planned restructuring of services is at local company board level only. I will bring the...

Topical Issue Debate: Autism Support Services (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I will take up with the HSE again directly the issues the Deputy raised. They are very important. I will ensure the Carlow-Kilkenny disability services will continue to engage with the family on an ongoing basis regarding their son. An inter-agency and interdisciplinary case review was held on 25 January when health professionals recommended that, given the person's situation, it would be...

Topical Issue Debate: Autism Support Services (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: Yes.

Topical Issue Debate: Autism Support Services (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I take the Ceann Comhairle's views on board. I already told the Deputy I would raise the issue with the HSE. I take the Ceann Comhairle's point. It is an important issue.

Topical Issue Debate: Autism Support Services (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Funchion for raising the important issue of home support hours for people with disabilities. I will take this opportunity to outline the current situation with this matter. I assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to providing services and supports to people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in...

Other Questions: Wildlife Protection (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: Nail polish is very important.

Other Questions: Wildlife Protection (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: It is a big issue in Kilkenny.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Garda Stations (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: On behalf of the Minister, who, unfortunately, cannot be here, I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. He has a keen interest in justice and equality. He will appreciate that the programme for the replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation the OPW, which has responsibility for the provision and...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Garda Stations (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I will bring the Senator's message on the Garda station in Glanmire back to the Minister. He has made his points very well. There is a high degree of urbanisation in the general area in question and people need to feel safe in their own community. I regret that legal proceedings held up progress for five or six years but the matter was resolved just before Christmas. I hope there will be...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Health Services Provision (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Senator for raising this very specialised issue relating to physiotherapy. I welcome the opportunity to outline the current position on the matter.I agree with her introductory remarks on the programme last night on RTE. I find it totally unacceptable and I agree that we have to do something about it. That is the reality of it. Children, or anyone in pain, should not have to...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Health Services Provision (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I take the Senator's point on physiotherapy. When I took over as Minister of State with responsibility for disability, I inherited a situation whereby there had been seven or eight years with no investment whatsoever. We had to start reinvesting and reforming services. The Senator raised an important point, namely, that a cost-benefit analysis should be carried out. I will bring that...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Motorised Transport Grant Closure (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: I thank Senator O'Mahony for raising this matter on the Commencement and welcome the opportunity to outline the current position. I absolutely take on board and am aware of the case about which he spoke. As the Senator will already be aware, conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of both the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant schemes in the...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Motorised Transport Grant Closure (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: When fighting for resources for various parts of the health and disability sector, I prioritise those most in need, particularly the 4,700 people who are in serious need. I accept the Senator's point about the specific case he raises and the need to be proactive and take the lead on this issue. When we entered government almost 12 months ago, we stated action was needed in introducing...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Invalidity Pension Applications (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. The department received a claim for IP for the lady concerned on the 09 January 2017. The claim will be processed as quickly as possible and she will be notified directly of the outcome. I hope...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Disability Allowance Applications (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: This gentleman submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 6 October 2016. The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 12 December 2016. The person concerned submitted further medical evidence and applied for a review of the decision. This review has now been...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Invalidity Pension Applications (7 Feb 2017)

Finian McGrath: Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. The Department received a claim for IP for the gentleman referred to on 13 December 2016. His claim for IP was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not...