Vol. 574 No. 5
114 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the crisis surrounding the disabled persons housing grant and of its implications for the health service; and if he will liaise with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to end this crisis for patients and health care providers. [27415/03]
The provision of the disabled persons grant is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Such grants are administered through the relevant local authority. The use of health board staff such as occupational therapists to provide assessments for this scheme is a matter for discussion between the relevant local authorities and health boards. I am aware of the difficulties encountered by people applying for the disabled persons grant. My Department is engaging with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to streamlining the assessment procedures for the grant in question.
