Varadkar delegates powers and duties to Finian McGrath, MoS at the Department of Social Protection
- Published on: 22 June 2016
- Last updated on: 23 October 2019
The Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar has received Government approval at this week's Cabinet meeting to delegate powers and duties to the Minister of State, Finian McGrath, with responsibility for disability issues at the Department of Social Protection.
Minister McGrath will have responsibility for the operation of the following schemes:
- Partial Capacity Benefit
- Invalidity Pension
- Blind Pension
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Disability Allowance
In addition, Minister Varadkar is delegating responsibility to Minister McGrath for the following non-statutory functions of the Department of Social Protection:
- the Wage Subsidy scheme
- the Reasonable Accommodation Fund for People with Disabilities scheme
- the EmployAbility service
Minister McGrath will also have responsibility for the Department of Social Protection’s role in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities.
Minister McGrath said:
“I am delighted to be working with Leo and the Department of Social Protection in these specific areas. I am keen to familiarise myself with the detail of these schemes as quickly as possible and work with the officials in the department and the relevant agencies in helping to provide a quality service for our customers. My role across the three departments, Justice and Equality, Health and Social Protection provides me with an opportunity to improve the everyday living standards and quality of life for many families and individuals who experience illness or a disability, through the provision of income support and where appropriate, assistance to take up employment.”
Minister Varadkar said:
“Finian has a broad depth of knowledge in the field of disability matters. I look forward to working with him in delivering an excellent service that will help improve the quality of lives for people with disabilities.”
ENDS