Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy O'Dowd. I think of Willie Bermingham, the founder of ALONE, who established that charity to transform the lives of people who were forgotten. For every person who receives these grants, their life is transformed. However, this also means that for every person who does not receive a grant, their life is limited. We must ensure the financial steps are in place to address that. I have no doubt the review deals with some of the other obstacles people face. Increasingly, it is difficult to hire tradespeople. People are vulnerable in seeking quotes from different people, in not being able to secure quotes and in trying to secure an occupational therapy report and additional reports. There is far more we can do with this scheme. The Department could help to put together panels and have staff available to carry out occupational therapy reports. There is much more that can be done. We should not forget that this scheme saves the State money by ensuring people do not have to go into residential care. I have no doubt the Minister of State wants to see the recommendations of the report published. I want to make sure the Ministers, Deputies Michael McGrath and Donohoe, put money in the budget to get something done on this issue.

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