Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is an area that affects the lives of countless families. I acknowledge that very often many local authority staff do the best they can to try to facilitate and support people in very challenging circumstances. With regard to rules, procedures and budgets there are obstacles to ensuring that people are properly supported. Some of them have been identified. One of the biggest issues I come across is timescales, given the bureaucracy that can sometimes go with trying to ensure an adaptation happens. This has been exacerbated in recent times because of the increase in the cost of building supplies and the fact that quotes expire quite quickly.

Sometimes occupational therapists will recommend something of a very high order. They try to imagine the absolute maximum solution. When this goes to the local authorities they ask whether all of it is entirely necessary. I am not sure whether it is the local authority or the occupational therapist who is to blame. Both are trying to do their best. It can create a difficulty. Then we end up with it going back and forth. Occupational therapists are reluctant to revise down the initial recommendation because they believe it to be clinically appropriate and necessary. This is an issue. Perhaps more direct communication between local authorities and occupational therapists might help. Sometimes there can be a reluctance to get into this type of direct dialogue.

Another measure that could resolve some of the issues is a more dynamic internal transfer and mutual transfer system. Instead of a stair lift a solution could be provided through a transfer to swap families in a bungalow and an upstairs two-bedroom flat. It might not be the full solution but it could be part of the solution to help. Some local authorities have more dynamic options whereby people can declare an interest in a mutual transfer and people can be matched up. Other local authorities could benefit from following this.

I support the point made by Deputy Daly on the hoist. It is very important that it is addressed. These adaptations make a huge impact to the lives of elderly and vulnerable people. In their absence the impact on the quality of life can be enormous. They usually happen eventually but it can take two years with significant hardship in the meantime. We do need to improve the systems.

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