Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will bring the remarks made by the Deputy in her opening statement, particularly that the floor hoist offered would not fit into the child's room, to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Harris. I do not think the cost of a piece of equipment should inhibit any child having a proper standard of health service within his or her home. I do not think a cost of €2,700 is a huge amount. Unfortunately, I am not an occupational therapist and I must be guided by the reply for the HSE. According to the occupational therapist the hoist offered is adequate. However, I take on board the specifics of the case highlighted by the Deputy, particularly that the mother and the liaison nurse are not able to lift the child, and I will bring them to the attention of the Minister and I will ask him to deal with the matter as quickly as possible. I am taken aback by the Deputy's statement that in other areas this funding would be made available.

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