Seanad debates
Wednesday, 5 February 2003
Adjournment Matters. - Disabled Person's Grant.
Perhaps the Minister will clarify this, but I would have thought that the grant had a legal and statutory underpinning. However, it is now not available to those who are entitled to apply for it in our county, where elderly people, families with a disabled child and people who have been in accidents will no longer be able to access the scheme. I am aware of many cases in which work that needs to be carried out cannot be, because people cannot afford to pay for it on their own. Recently, after a struggle lasting over twelve months, an elderly couple with whom I have had many dealings, who live on the side of a mountain without electricity, running water or an indoor bathroom, were able to build a decent bathroom and bedroom because of the physically disabled person's grant. They now have a bit of comfort for the first time in their lives. It was a struggle but we finally secured the grant and it has been useful.
No comments