Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter and the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, for his attendance.

The disabled person's grant scheme has been successful over the years and particularly helpful to some of the most vulnerable in society. Like all schemes, however, there comes a time for review and that time has arrived. There should be less bureaucracy in the operation of the scheme and more funding is required. I have encountered cases in both Waterford County Council and Waterford City Council where bureaucracy is being used to drag out the process until more funding becomes available the following year. I would welcome if additional funding were afforded to the many worthy projects in operation.

One of the more extreme cases of excessive bureaucracy I encountered was the situation of an 80 year old woman who applied to have certain changes made to her home. These changes were eventually carried out when she was 90 and she died a few weeks later before she could attain any benefit from them. This is an extreme case but these types of situations are occurring in the system.

An occupational therapist's report is sometimes impossible to get. In Waterford, for example, the South Eastern Health Board is no longer providing this service. I learned recently of a case where a person went to a private occupational therapist but the latter was unable to do the work. This person cannot proceed because of costs. There is a problem with builders because they are not prepared to quote for minor jobs. The onus in on the applicant to obtain quotes from builders and submit them to the local authority but, in many cases, they are unable to do so.

It is the elderly who have no contact with family, in particular, who suffer most because they generally do not know how to set about getting quotes from builders and drawing up designs. It is also difficult for people on low incomes and perhaps there is a case in certain areas for the introduction of a means test whereby those who cannot afford to pay the 10% contribution would be exempt. I do not advocate that applicants should either qualify or not qualify for the additional 10% but it should be tapered according to means. I understand some local authorities are already applying a means test to this scheme. People who have the means and the wherewithal know how to source architects and builders and so on. We must focus on helping the more vulnerable.

Under the operation of the scheme, the medical officer initially visits applicants and produces a report. An occupational therapist then visits, if one can be found, and, upon his or her approval, the applicant is told to produce drawings. Planning permission may occasionally be needed. Once the applicant has obtained quotations, the application is sent back to the local authority where the architect or equivalent will ascertain whether the prices are right. The work is then carried out and inspected and, upon approval, the money is finally paid out. This constitutes a significant layer of bureaucracy which is holding up the entire process.

A different system must be devised and I hope the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government can bring about an improvement. We should set down specific standards with regard to the requirements for varying degrees of disability. A general practitioner or medical officer might be able to do the work of the occupational therapist if such standards were set down. Perhaps a technician might be designated in each local authority to do the drawings. Such people would gain expertise over time because much of the work will be repetitive. This would help to reduce costs significantly and resources could be directed to areas where they are most needed. Perhaps a builder or panel of builders could also be appointed by local authorities to reduce costs in a similar manner. These are only suggestions and there may be a better way to improve the operation of the scheme. I ask the Minister of State to consider how best the changes can be achieved.