Question:
132 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will amend the arrangements for sanctioning home adaptations for infirm or disabled people. [30336/01]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
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.
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 their 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.
I continue to urge local authorities to operate the scheme in a flexible and responsive manner having regard to the needs of applicants. Local authorities should have regard to the availability of occupational therapists and any likely delay in determining whether an occupational therapist's report should be sought in any particular case.