Results 641-660 of 1,150 for speaker:Frank Fahey

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: We can include Seanad Éireann by all means.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: We will consult with the Parliamentary Counsel and revert to the issue on Report Stage.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: I do not have a problem with the Senators' point, but we will have to consult the Parliamentary Counsel.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: We will revert to the issue on Report Stage.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: Amendment No. 46 has two elements, the first requiring that the sectoral plan of the Department of Health and Children contain information on the introduction of national standards for disability services. I do not consider it necessary to specifically refer to these standards in the Bill. The Department's sectoral plan already provides that it will contain information concerning proposed...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: Sections 31 to 37 outline the content of the six sectoral plans of Departments and section 35 relates specifically to the sectoral plan of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Disability Legislation Consultation Group, DLCG, at a recent meeting with the Taoiseach and myself sought to have this section reviewed so that it would be consistent with the approach...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: When I was a Minister of State with responsibility for labour, I took a particular interest in trying to improve the lot of people with disabilities and their access to employment. The big problem was the lack of awareness among employers of the abilities and advantages of employing people with disabilities. I concur with the views expressed about Senator Quinn. I remember arranging a series...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: In response to the concerns of some parties, I am examining the definition of genetic testing under section 41 to clarify that it captures the proper spectrum of testing procedures which may apply to people affected by genetic disorders. If necessary, I may seek to introduce some minor technical amendments in this regard on Report Stage. No matter what one does in respect of legislation, it...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: I do not have them with me.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: The amendment seeks, in page 40, between lines 46 and 47, to insert the following new subsection: "(5) The Minster shall, as soon as may be after the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the possibility of increasing the public service employment quota for people with disabilities above 3 per cent.". I could do that without inserting it in the...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: I did not say that.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: Senator Terry is being somewhat disingenuous in her accusation that I am not prepared to accept amendments. It is not normal to review matters and return the following day and agree to make some amendments. That was because on this occasion the Leader of the House asked me to be especially vigilant in trying to accord with the views of the Opposition. The amendment simply proposes that I...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: This is a technical amendment which improves the comprehension of the provision.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: The answer to that question is to be found by looking at the independence of officers in other Departments across the spectrum, from social welfare to employment appeals and the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, who also comes within the remit of the Department of Health and Children. There is no question but that that post is completely independent of the Department. The same applies to An Bord...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: That is not the substance of the proposed amendment.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: If the DLCG were satisfied with my amendment, I would be happy to propose it. Senator O'Meara's amendment is separate. One cannot have both the Ombudsman and an appeals officer overseeing the appeals mechanism. I cannot accept that.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: The DLCG prefers the appeals officer mechanism because it gives the right to appeal to the Circuit Court on a point of law for a notice to enforce the determination of the appeals officer. That does not apply in the case of the Ombudsman, whose views are final. the Office of the Ombudsman has been one of the great developments of public service provision because no Department in its right...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: That is why I offered the alternative of the Ombudsman, but one cannot have both the appeals officer and the Ombudsman, which is what Senator O'Meara is suggesting.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: On Report Stage in the Dáil I moved a series of related amendments to allow a limited extension of the timeframe for appeals in exceptional circumstances. Subsection 18(4) allows the appeals officer discretion to extend the period for an appeal on a case-by-case basis where there is reasonable cause shown.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Frank Fahey: It was an amendment. Amendment No. 36 seeks to extend the timescale from six weeks to six months. I see no benefit in extending the period of appeal for such a long time. The time period in the Bill is in line with other legislation. The Government amendments made in the Dáil on Report Stage struck a fair balance between what is envisaged by the Senator and the provisions of the Bill as...