Vol. 535 No. 1
275 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) was not given high priority status by the medical officer in relation to his application for the disabled person's grant scheme; if the fact that he has autism spectrum disorder and requires constant vigilance was considered; if the application can be re-assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11364/01]
The provision of housing modification grants for people with disabilities is a matter for the Depart ment of the Environment and Local Government and they are provided through the relevant local authority. The criteria for this scheme are set out in the Department of the Environment and Local Government's Housing (Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant) Regulations, 1993. Occupational therapists generally carry out assessments in the order in which they are referred from the local authority.
I understand that in more urgent cases, however, certain assessments will be given priority as directed by the local authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the circumstances of this individual and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
