87. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new baby grants that have been made to parents in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8460/25]

Sentiment score: 0.11

Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle sa ról nua atá aige agus leis an Aire chomh maith. Ba mhaith liom fiafraí den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cé mhéid deontas de naíonáin nuabheirthe atá tugtha anois do thuismitheoirí i gContae Chill Dara agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ar an ábhar. How many newborn baby grants have been made to parents in Kildare and will the Minister make a statement on the matter?

Sentiment score: 0.08

Naturally, I welcome the grant. In the programme for Government, there are a number of very good commitments for families and young children and this grant, for example, goes a long way towards helping with the costs that come with having a newborn. There is talk in the document of examining the extension of parent's leave and benefit and providing additional flexibility. I ask that consideration also be given to that leave in the Houses of the Oireachtas. No formal paternity leave is granted to TDs and Senators and that is something we should look at in a modern Parliament to reflect what happens in wider society. Separately, while I understand this is not directly part of the Minister's brief, childcare remains a major hurdle. We are going a long way as a Government towards assisting with the cost of childcare but access continues to be an issue. These are combined issues for new families and parents. I welcome the level of work the Government and the Department in particular are doing.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I thank the Minister. I also commend the fact the new baby grant is made automatically with the child benefit payment, without the need for an additional application.

Sentiment score: 0.59

90. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for ensuring that the social welfare system is progressive and empowers people with a disability to live full and independent lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8462/25]

Sentiment score: 0.10

Fiafraím den Aire maidir lena na gcuid pleananna chun a chinntiú go bhfuil an córas leasa coimirce forásach agus go gcumhachtaítear do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas saol iomlán neamhspleách a chaitheamh agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ar an ábhar? What are the Minister's plans for ensuring that the social welfare system is progressive and empowers people with disabilities to live full and independent lives?

Sentiment score: 0.14

Go raibh maith ag an Aire. It is great to see the progress the Government and the Minister and his Department are making in such a short space of time. As the Minister outlined, people with disabilities face additional costs, be it in the context of healthcare, medication, transport of whatever. It is important that we provide people living with a disability with the ability to not just live but also to thrive, that we ensure there is no hindrance on the part of the State and that we are assist them as much as possible. In the context of the additional positive measures outlined in the programme for Government, such as a permanent annual cost of disability support payment, an increased weekly disability payment and a domiciliary care allowance, are there timelines for the introduction of these?

Sentiment score: 0.29

It is great to see the amount of work that is happening in the Department. I ask that those involved in dealing with this matter might look at the councils in how they approach this issue. The likes of the housing adaptation grant should be more readily available. People should have greater opportunities to apply for that grant in order to allow them to have the works it covers carried out.

Sentiment score: 0.53