Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that new application forms for local authority housing require applications based on medical conditions to provide a consultant's report; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many persons who are applying for social housing do not have the means to see a consultant privately leaving them on long waiting lists in the public system further delaying their application and that many consultants are unwilling to provide letters of this nature in view of the fact that they do not see it as part of their role; and the steps he will take to address this. [15283/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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My Department is aware that the wording on the new application form may give rise to difficulties in some cases and I propose to amend the prescribed form to address this as soon as possible. I have advised local authorities that a consultant's report is not essential in all cases where applicants have a medical condition or disability which impacts on their housing needs. However, an appropriate written report from a qualified medical or paramedical professional must always be submitted. This is required both to identify and certify the medical condition or disability involved and also to ensure that suitable accommodation is provided for the household concerned.