Vol. 562 No. 6
15 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the extreme difficulties being experienced by persons seeking the disabled person's grant; and if this issue has been raised with the Department of the Environment and Local Government. [6676/03]
The provision of the disabled person's grant is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Such grants are administered through the relevant local authority. Use of health board staff, that is occupational therapists, to provide assessments for this scheme is a matter for discussion between the relevant local authorities and health boards.
I am aware of the difficulties encountered by people applying for the grant. Consequently, my Department is engaging with the Department of the Environment and Local Government with a view to streamlining assessment procedures for it.
