Ms Frances Spillane:

I will respond first to the Deputy's initial question on occupational therapists. There is unmet need for therapists in general in the health services. This applies to older people and also to services for children and adults with disabilities. In budget 2018 an additional €1 million was provided that will allow for the recruitment of an additional 40 occupational therapist posts.

The Deputy asked about how long it takes for an occupational therapy report for a housing adaptation grant. I do not know the answer to that. We will get that information from the HSE and we will write to the committee separately on that issue.