Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank each of the witnesses for the comprehensive answers. On the question of forms being filled in as a holding position, the frustration is that it will take two or three months in some but not all instances to get the form filled, yet those concerned want to ensure they may get cover. One needs practical solutions to get around this difficulty.

In fairness to the group that dealt with the domiciliary care allowance form, they raised the question as to how one gets a practical solution. If the applicant presents a form that is incomplete, one tells them that the form is incomplete. If one goes to an Intreo or a Department of Social Protection office, where the form and documentation is scanned in on the spot, the applicant will be told that he or she need to fill out parts of the form. In this day and age when the documentation can be scanned, whether it comes by post or handed in by the applicant, the original can be sent back to the individual. That would mean that throughout the system, whatever stage the application is at, be it the initial stage, or on appeal, the staff member can press a button, the full file goes to the relevant officer and there can be no loss of documents. The investment in technology should be done at this stage and I hope that will help address some of the problems that arose in the past.

During the debate on recent social welfare legislation, provision was made for additional medical assessors. Do the departmental officials wish to take the opportunity to tell us what has happened in dealing with case files since the provision of staff to deal with delays was made?

The Carers Association made the point in its document that there is a perception that the system is weighted in favour of those with a physical disability over those with a mental disability. How can that be overcome? Is there a need for education of or provision of guidelines to GPs, psychiatrists, medical assessors or where should we focus attention? The idea is not to be critical of the Department but to try to come up with practical solutions to issues that come up continuously regarding delays in medical assessments. I support the point made by Deputy O'Dea on the need to have an input from the IMO, a delegation from which was to be here today, as it represents both the GPs and a good number of consultants, and-or other medical organisations. It might have a better view of the issue from its perspective.