John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being created for elderly and handicapped people who have applied for assistance with funding for stairlifts and other essential repairs, by the need to have an occupational therapist's report on each such application; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this requirement can cause delays of up to six months due to the non-availability of occupational therapists; the proposals he has to amend that requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31113/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am very much aware of the importance of the efficient operation of the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes in assisting with the provision of appropriate accommodation for disabled and elderly persons in the community. The administration of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme is delegated to local authorities within the framework laid down in statutory regulations in order to give an appropriate degree of flexibility at local level. The introduction of systems of medical prioritisation as well as standardisation of costs and improved arrangements for the use of occupational therapists has enabled authorities to manage the schemes more efficiently and has allowed them to tackle the backlog of applications which had been allowed to build in a number of areas.

The issue of the availability of occupational therapists has been considered in the context of a review of the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes, including the conditions governing the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, recently finalised within my Department. Proposals for the future operation of these schemes are now being prepared, in consultation with other public agencies concerned, and I expect to be in a position to announce these shortly.