Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Regional Group for bringing forward this important motion. I want to raise a particular issue in regard to ceiling hoists being excluded from the housing adaptation grant. This was a decision taken a number of years ago, which directed the local authorities to change their policy in order that ceiling track hoists are no longer funded by the housing adaptation grant. I am not sure what the thinking is within the Department. Is it because of insurance or for some other reason? I am not sure, although we have been asking for a number of years.

The grant aid ceased two years ago. A decision was made not to provide grants for these devices that require trained operators. It was to be taken up by the HSE but there is still no decision. I have raised this through parliamentary questions. A process of negotiation is ongoing as far as I understand. The Minister of State with responsibility for heritage responded to a recent parliamentary question stating a solution will be reached as soon as possible.

In April last year this was raised by the O'Mahony family from Killarney. Last July they were told a decision would be made. They were told the same thing in September and March. They were told a consultation process is happening. I do not care who sorts it out so long as someone grasps the nettle and deals with it. I do not care whether it is someone from the Department dealing with health, housing, local government or disability. Whoever it is should make the decision because it is very important for the O'Mahony family. Their daughter Alexis has cerebral palsy quadriplegia with a high risk of aspiration. She is completely dependent on her family. She requires constant repositioning for washing to prevent injury. She requires two people to lift her, 24-hour care, regular repositioning and movement for her hygiene care. Her parents care for her. When her father is not present due to travelling for work it is very difficult for her mother to do this job. There is a risk of serious injury to Alexis. She has been waiting for the whole of the past year for a decision to be made so that she can get a grant for housing. I ask the Minister to make an exception and change the rule and do something about this so that her life can be made a little bit easier.

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