Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 2

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

104 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an occupational therapist has not called to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that owing to this delay, the person is bring deprived of having a grant application being examined by Cork County Council; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that no response has issued from the health board in response to a previous parliamentary question. [2992/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

As I have previously informed the Deputy, the provision of the disabled persons grant to enable housing modifications to be made to the homes of disabled persons is entirely a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government and such grants are administered through the relevant local authority. Use of health board staff, occupational therapists, to provide assessments for this scheme is a matter for discussion between the relevant local authorities and health boards.

It is noted that the Southern Health Board has not responded to the Deputy in this instance. Accordingly, the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board has again been requested to investigate this matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

105 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will arrange to have this person considered for long-term care; and if he will also arrange for a social worker to call to inspect the conditions that this person is residing in with a view to taking whatever measures are necessary. [2993/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of health services in County Cork rests with the Southern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.