Mr. Michael Rainey:

I worked a great deal in Laois, Carlow and other small rural authorities. Unlike the Dublin model, they would not use GPs as such. Rather, the evidence is submitted by the applicant and the person is assessed by a senior social worker or other social worker. Depending on the allocation scheme in each local authority, points or priority are awarded based on what is determined.

I will follow up on the point Deputy Ellis made about consultation with disability groups. I agree that consultation is important. Much of what we are delivering on the ground is set at national level. In particular, there is considerable value in the grant schemes, for example, mobility aid and housing aid for older people and adaptation grants. As elected Members, the Deputies and Senators will see that. We can usually make a valid impact through these schemes. There was a review of the schemes in, I believe, 2014 when there was active engagement with the various representative disability groups. Another review of the schemes is ongoing, and it is important that disability groups be included in it so that what comes down to local authorities for implementation and delivery reflects people’s needs.