Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies O'Dea and O'Rourke for introducing this Bill, the timing of which is invaluable. I know from years in local government that this grant scheme has been a victim of its own success. It has been invaluable to people who had no money to get their houses upgraded and for those who want their loved ones to remain at home. I welcome the Bill. I know we often put agreements in place but we need personnel too, including occupational therapists. Local authority staff do a great job. Where possible, local authorities get their staff to assess the projects. However, they do not have enough staff, particularly occupational therapists. It is no good putting timeframes in place unless we have the personnel in place to carry out the necessary work. I welcome what is proposed.

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