Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
805. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when progress will be made on reducing waiting times in counties Carlow and Kilkenny for occupational therapy assessments, especially for those in routine and non-urgent categories; the reason for the current backlog of up to a full year for a visit to a person's home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26443/20]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to assessments for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability.
My colleague, Darragh O'Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has policy remit for Housing Adaption Grants.
In the Carlow and Kilkenny areas, these assessments are undertaken by Occupational Therapists engaged by the Local Authority. The arrangement of these Occupational Therapy appointments therefore is a matter for the relevant Local Authority and, as such, does not fall under the remit of the Department of Health.
