Gay Mitchell
Question:172 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin for a disabled person's grant. [6496/01]
Written Answers. - Housing Grants.
The provision of housing modification grants for people with physical disabilities is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government and they are provided through the relevant local authority. Health boards are involved with these grants to the extent that an assessment of the individual case must be carried out by an occupational therapist from the health board in order for the grant to be approved.
I understand that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council seeks guidance from the director of public health medicine on whether an application may fall within the criteria set out in the Department of the Environment and Local Government's Housing (Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant) Regulations, 1993. In giving this guidance, the director of public health medicine never makes a recommendation not to provide the grant, nor does he make any judgment on any medical evidence provided. I also understand that the director of public health medicine provided a copy of his qualifications to Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council on request.