Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1902. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the engagement that was ongoing between his Department, the HSE, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the funding of ceiling tracking hoists; and when he expects the issue to be resolved. [41174/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for older persons and people with disabilities which will empower them to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and to plan and live independent lives.
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which fall under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, assist people to have the necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The scheme is administered by local authorities and more information can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
In late 2020, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage offered guidance to local authorities that fixed track hoists, such as ceiling hoists, should not be included in the Housing Adaptation Grants.
In 2021, the Health Service Executive (HSE) became aware of this issue. The HSE has also since received several applications for ceiling hoists under the Community Funded Schemes.
Applications for various aids and appliances under the Community Funded Schemes are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility. These applications are considered within each Community Health Organisation and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available within local budgets.
The items provided under the Community Funded Schemes play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning and to remain living in their homes and local community. Further information can be found here: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/.
The HSE's Community Funded Schemes in the past had not funded ceiling hoists given that structural adaptations to homes were required for their insertion and also given the fact that both these adaptations and the ceiling hoists themselves had been funded under the Housing Adaptation Grants.
There is ongoing engagement between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to this matter – with a view to resolving the difficult issues involved as soon as possible and ensuring that people receive the services they require. It is anticipated that these discussions will conclude in the near future.
