Results 41-60 of 83 for speaker:Michael Smith

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: In February 2003, the DLCG presented the document, Equal Citizens — Proposals for Core Elements of Disability Legislation. Last year, the group had meetings with a number of members of the Government, including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Ministers of State, Deputies Tim O'Malley and O'Dea. Earlier this year, meetings were held between officials and the DLCG at which the group was...

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: Much of the discussion about the Bill has centred on a demand for rights-based legislation. Some argue that the legislation must provide access to the courts for the adjudication of individual cases. It has also been forcefully presented that both the needs assessment process and service provision should be free of resource constraints. At one of the meetings with the DLCG last year, the...

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: The issue proposed in some quarters goes beyond equal access and suggests that individual rights to particular State services should be laid down in law. The Government is entirely supportive of measures to facilitate social inclusion. However, I do not believe an uncritical acceptance of a right to services approach would realise the outcome which all concerned would like to see.

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: This issue aside, there are considerable commonalities between the Government approach and the range of issues proposed in the DLCG document, Equal Citizens.

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: I am interested in ensuring everybody who has these problems are dealt with appropriately and effectively without wasting resources in litigation.

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: I will stand over the Government's record against the shameful, disgraceful record of Labour and Fine Gael in government when they had the opportunity to do something about this but failed to do so.

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: A central element in a programme to assure equitable service provision for people with disabilities is the assessment of their individual needs. I agree with the view put forward by the DLCG that assessment of need must be independent and that means of complaint, appeal and enforcement are an essential part of that process. The disability Bill will put effective systems for assessment and...

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: The principle of facilitating people with disabilities to speak in their own voice is of vital importance and the provision of advocacy services will be particularly significant. Sectoral plans for key public services will be published in draft form and I anticipate they will provide an important element in planning future services. Each Department concerned will facilitate consultation...

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: The latest element of the framework is the Equality Bill 2004 which updates our existing advanced equality laws to ensure full compliance with EU directives. I have no doubt about the significant challenge to put in place the framework to enhance service delivery for people with disabilities. The framework is broad, dealing with health, education, employment, advocacy, physical access to...

Rights of People with Disabilities: Motion. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: We have made and continue to make significant progress in advancing the disability equality agenda. I am confident the disability Bill will introduce the systems and structures which will effectively advance the agenda further. The Bill will demonstrate that Ireland can be among the most progressive of its European neighbours. It will establish a statutory basis for assessment, service...

Departmental Bodies. (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: It is patent nonsense to suggest there is a developing crisis within the Civil Defence Board. I am involved in a course of action on the position of its chairman and I have valid and strong reasons for embarking on this course of action. As the process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to make further comment at this stage. I expect that the matter will come to a conclusion within...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: I have arranged that my Department's properties officer will survey the property in question in the coming weeks with a view to finalising mapping and related title issues in order to facilitate a decision in relation to the possible disposal of the property.

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: As I indicated to the House when replying to Question No. 183 on 3 March and Question No. 90 on 11 March 2004, where a member of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, is killed in the course of duty or dies from a wound received in the course of duty, whether on duty at home or overseas, enhanced spouse's and children's allowances are payable under the Army Pensions Acts. In addition, the...

Written Answers — Sport and Recreational Development: Sport and Recreational Development (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together. It is the policy to allow military sports facilities to be used by local community-based groups and clubs subject to prior requirements of the Defence Forces. Such facilities, which are located throughout the country, are extensively used by such groups. With regard to the Curragh swimming pool, which is the only such facility located in...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Accommodation: Defence Forces Accommodation (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: The refurbishment of accommodation facilities is an integral part of my Department's building plans, as part of an ongoing investment programme within the Defence Forces. Accommodation for Defence Forces personnel in Cathal Brugha Barracks has been substantially upgraded in recent years. This included the refurbishment of billet blocks at a cost of €2 million, completed in September 2003...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (18 May 2004)

Michael Smith: The property in question was offered for sale to the occupants in 1999 for a sum of €31,743.45 — £25,000 — but they did not proceed with the sale. It would appear that some of the occupants, adult children may remain in residence in the quarters and, in that regard, the Department would be prepared to allow the house to be purchased in the joint names of the parents and of the...

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Michael Smith: That is not a matter for the Order of Business.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Michael Smith: The Deputy should wait until he sees the package inside, he will be sorry he was not in earlier.

Written Answers — Fógraiocht Ranna: Fógraiocht Ranna (25 May 2004)

Michael Smith: Tá sé ar intinn agam Ceisteanna Uimh. 94, 95 agus 96 a fhreagairt le chéile. Níl sé ar intinn aon comórtas a chuir ar siúl a roghnú nuachtáin náisiúnta Gaeilge ina gcuirfear fógraí Stáit ón Roinn Cosanta. Is é Brindley Advertising an conradh Stáit i gcomhair gach fógraíocht preas náisiúnta agus baineann mo Roinne úsáid as an comhlacht sin. Baintear úsáid freisin as...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (25 May 2004)

Michael Smith: A suitable alternative premises has been identified in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, for the Reserve Defence Force unit concerned. A draft letting agreement is under consideration in my Department and in this regard the advice of the Chief State Solicitor has been sought with regard to the proposed terms and conditions.