Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and my colleagues, Deputies Ó Broin and Ryan, for their support and for staying back on a Thursday evening when we are on the eve of a recess.

To explain again, the whole basis for this Bill is to help people all over the country to live comfortably within their own homes because they are unable to do so, sometimes for months and sometimes for longer, as they need adaptations done to their houses or they need mobility aids put in.

The application process takes far too long. I am just looking for a way to streamline and to standardise the process across local authorities. We must be conscious we have an ageing population, so the demand for this grant will probably increase as we go along. Many disabled people say it does not matter how old they are and that they still have their disabilities and are still disabled people. Regardless of age, if somebody has a disability or a mobility issue, he or she may need to apply for this grant. I had hoped to do something to speed up the application of the grant in order that more people could live in their homes. I am conscious Ireland has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. We need to implement it. That would play such an important role because it would allow so many disabled people to live in their own homes, in our community. That is the basis of the UNCRPD, so it has a huge part to play. It is very important that is addressed.

The Minister of State mentioned issues with occupational therapists, OTs, and so on. I have come across several people to whom the local authority sent out an OT who was not familiar with the person or his or her needs. Oftentimes the OT with whom that person is already engaging is much better able to advise as to what his or her needs are and to prepare a report. Perhaps that could be considered. The local authority employs an OT or team of OTs, but they do not always know the people. By coming out for one visit to assess a property, they will not always get their recommendations right.

I thank the Minister of State. I will hand over to my colleague.

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