Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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749. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government why persons who need housing adaptation grants have to wait approximately six months on average to have an occupational therapist conduct the assessment, which delays the processing of the grant; if he will accelerate the processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6960/16]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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The detailed administration and implementation of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme is a matter for the local authorities. However, I understand that both the HSE and private occupational therapists are routinely engaged by local authorities to assess the needs of applicants for grants under the Scheme. While I understand that some local authorities do experience delays in processing applications due to the difficulties in engaging occupational therapists, an applicant can engage a private sector occupational therapist and have the cost refunded to them as part of the total grant paid, subject to a limit of €200 per assessment.

It is in the interests of the applicant and the local authority to ensure that adaptation works are appropriate to the long-term circumstances of the applicant and the assessments of occupational therapists play a key role in the process.