Vol. 553 No. 2
467 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he intends to take to assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who has been informed by the South-Western Area Health Board that they can expect to wait another two to three years to be assessed by an occupational therapist having applied early in 2001 for the installation of a seat in their bath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13091/02]
As the Deputy is aware the provision of such services is a matter for the individual health boards in the first instance. My Department asked the Eastern Regional Health Authority, which is responsible for the delivery of health services in counties Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare, for its comments on this matter. The difficulties experienced by clients in waiting for assessment, therapy and the provision of appropriate aids by the authority are acknowledged. These difficulties arise from problems encountered in recruiting specialist staff such as occupational therapists. I have asked the authority to outline directly to the Deputy the steps being taken to overcome these problems.
