Results 7,141-7,160 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Beds Data (13 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 186, 207, 210 and 211 together. The Programme for Partnership Government places a particular focus on a number of key programmes and strategies, including publishing a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. Currently a steering group led by the Health Service Executive Social Care Division has drafted an implementation...

Topical Issue Debate: Voluntary Sector Remuneration (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I agree with Deputy Kenny in respect of some of the points he raised. I also believe we have to change the mindset with regard to services for people with disabilities. We have to start talking about it. Part of my vision as the new Minister of State with responsibility in this area is to deal with the whole idea of rights and equality for people with disabilities. We want to get away...

Topical Issue Debate: Voluntary Sector Remuneration (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I congratulate Deputy Gino Kenny on his election to the House. It is great to hear different and new voices raising important issues, particularly with regard to services for people with disabilities. It is important to outline what has taken place thus far in order that we can address the specific issues that have arisen. In June 2012, the Health Service Executive's internal audit...

Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Accommodation Provision (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Naughton for raising this issue and I welcome this opportunity to outline the up-to-date position on recent health infrastructure developments at University Hospital Galway. These developments recognise that demand for health care is rising, with our elderly population increasing at nearly double the European average. Other factors, such as the rise in obesity, chronic...

Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Accommodation Provision (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I accept some of the comments made by Deputy Hildegarde Naughton on these issues and that there are questions to be answered. I welcome the fact that the Deputy welcomed the 75-bed single-room unit. Of course, we must examine how we spend capital funding. The Deputy made a very positive point on the problems with the city development plan and the car-parking issue. I am listening to...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: Yes.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I have decided to appoint a chairperson and have a person in mind. I will announce that person's name in a matter of days. The Government will be informed of my plans for the appointment of the chairperson and the composition of the task force by 26 July next. That is the date I have set for myself. The Deputy is right when she says we cannot let this go into August. I am working on a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I know that the Deputy will do so.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I can confirm that there will be a seismic shift as we reform the services provided for people with disabilities. I am pushing forward a strong reform agenda. The key issue for me is that the entire plan for disability services will be centred on the person with the disability, regardless of whether he or she has an intellectual or a physical disability. I want to change the mindset in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I thank Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony for her comments. I will work with all Opposition Members in improving services for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The establishment of a task force on personalised budgets is a key element of the commitment in the programme for Government to give people with disabilities greater control, independence and choice. Personalised...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Primary Care Centres (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I always wanted to be in a boy band.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Primary Care Centres (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Senator for his question. Two of his colleagues were on the programme as well, Senators Frances Black and Fintan Warfield, and they were way more talented than I. I always wanted to be in a boy band so we had a good afternoon and got a bit of politics in as well. I congratulate Senator Gallagher on being elected to the Seanad and wish him the best of luck. I thank him for...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Primary Care Centres (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: Let me reassure Senator Gallagher that I accept his point that the primary care centre is badly needed. We need to make progress. I will talk to the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, about the design and technical delays. We all agree in principle that a primary care centre is needed in Monaghan. A site is available, so we should do the job. I assure the Senator that I will bring...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Irish Blood Transfusion Service (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I thank Senator Victor Boyhan for raising this important issue. Before I respond to him, I pay tribute to all who donate blood to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. This fantastic service saves many lives. We all know of friends and family members who have benefited from it. I am taking this commencement debate on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, so I will...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Irish Blood Transfusion Service (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: The Senator is right to seek reassurance on issues relating to the procurement process. He raised the matters of the tender lists, the record of tenders, the retention of records and the relationship to 2015. I will go back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, for an update on the situation and act immediately on it.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Commissions of Investigation (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: I wish to assure the House that I am fully committed to the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into this matter. I am very concerned about the issues which have been raised in this case and cannot stress highly enough that the safety and protection of all vulnerable people in the care of the State is paramount. The previous Government's approval to the establishment of a...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Services for People with Disabilities (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: The Disability Act 2005 provides for an assessment of the needs of eligible applicants occasioned by their disability. The assessment of need must commence within three months of receipt of a completed application and must be completed within a further three months. The HSE works towards completing the assessment within three months unless there are exceptional circumstances. Applicants are...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Special Educational Needs (12 Jul 2016)

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Respite Care Services (12 Jul 2016)

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 (12 Jul 2016)

Finian McGrath: In the case of means-tested payments from my Department, such as disability allowance (DA), applicants are assessed with any cash income, property other than the home, and investments. Within all means-tested schemes, there is an initial amount of capital that is disregarded for means assessment purposes. For most schemes this disregard is €20,000 but, in the case of DA, it is...