Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too note that the Bill will put more responsibility on the person making the application than on the local authority, although I will nonetheless support the Bill. It should be progressed and we can take all points on board during the debate in committee, where Deputies can work out how we can most effectively accelerate the application process. That is the most important aspect of the issue. I am aware of a case of a woman who had to go into care and was waiting for her grant application to be processed. An extension to her house was being built but, unfortunately, she passed away just before she had the opportunity to return home. In another case, a man contacted me in September, having made an application in February. When we called the local authority, we were informed it would be another eight or ten weeks before the decision was made. When I called the man today for an update, he said that while the application had been granted, he was still waiting for the job to be done. He has waited since February 2018, which is not acceptable. These are not exceptional cases. There are more such cases than there are straightforward cases where the application is processed and granted promptly.

Another issue that has been raised with me relates to when some part of the application form has not been completed properly or where the occupational therapist report has not been included. The application is returned to the applicant by the local authority and when it is resubmitted, it is put at the end of the list rather than being filed under the date on which it was originally submitted. Section 2(2) seeks to address that. If somebody needs a support such as a ramp to gain access to his or her house, it needs to be provided immediately because the person needs it, as I am sure the Minister of State will agree. Leaving an application for so long is ridiculous.

In my short contribution I want to mention occupational therapists. Many people must go to private occupational therapists and pay out €200 when they should be getting the service through the system. This also needs to be addressed.

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