Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - Occupational Therapy Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

121 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has sought or received reports from the Eastern Regional Health Authority on the bottleneck in the occupational therapy departments in Dublin in getting approval for even minor improvements to support independent living, such as rails and shower fittings; and if he will issue an order waiving the requirements for approval of an occupational therapist where a general practitioner certifies the need and the cost is less than £3,000. [15426/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of occupational therapy services, including arrangements in relation to minor improvements to support independent living, in the Dublin area rests, in the first instance, with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

To date I have not received reports on the matters referred to by the Deputy. However, I have now asked the chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to examine the situation from the point of view of the matters contained in the Deputy's question and to prepare a report on those matters. Once this report has been received I will communicate with the Deputy direct.