Vol. 539 No. 1
323 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in view of the shortage of occupational therapists, he will amend the regulations for the disabled persons repairs grants so that processing of applications for such grants can be expedited, particularly in view of delays of up to one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19084/01]
The disabled persons grant scheme is administered by local authorities in accordance with the legal framework established in section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1979, and statutory regulations made under the Act. The framework laid down in the statutory regulations is, as far as practicable, designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to local authorities in administering the scheme.
It is, accordingly, a matter for the local authority to decide the staffing resources to be made available, the level of grants in individual cases and the circumstances in which a grant may be paid.
The regulations governing the scheme do not require local authorities to obtain an occupational therapist's report. Where authorities require such reports it is generally to ensure that the most appropriate works are carried out to meet the needs of the applicant and that the potential long-term needs of the applicant are addressed having regard to his or her disability. It is also a matter for the authority to ensure that there are no undue delays in the processing of applications for disabled persons grants.
