(Carlow-Kilkenny): I want to highlight the lack of concern shown by the Department of Health for a person in Carlow who has had both legs amputated below the knee. This man applied for a motorised transport grant to the South-Eastern Health Board which found, under the conditions laid down by the Department, that he cannot qualify for a grant because he does not need his car to earn a living and lives only a short distance from the main shopping area in Carlow. These are absurd reasons for refusing him a grant as most people who have had both their legs amputated do not earn a living and travelling half a mile to a shopping centre on crutches is not a short distance. How is this person supposed to travel to church or a social event? Should he become a recluse? If he has to be hospitalised or put in a home costs will have to be met.
The South-Eastern Health Board wrote to the Department of Health asking it to review the regulations governing the motorised transport grant. I was informed by officials in the Minister's office that the Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Finance, were carrying out an ongoing review of these aspects of the regulations. When I sent the reply I received from the Department of Health on 16 June to the person involved he told me another TD had been given the same reply on 9 March, three months previously, even though the health board had been in contact with the Department in the meantime asking it to review the regulations. I was in contact with the Department to see what progress was being made in this matter and instead of outlining the present position someone in the Department thought it was easier to press a button on a computer and send me a letter which had previously been sent to another Deputy, which was of no benefit.
The number of people who have had both legs amputated must be very small while the number of those who wish to drive a car, having successfully passed their driving test, must be extremely small. Amending the regulations to enable this person to benefit from the motorised transport grant scheme will not break the Government or create a precedent. The Department of Health should show concern for people with this handicap who have the initiative to get up and go.
This man is now experiencing problems with his arms as a result of using crutches. I am not asking the Minister to set a precedent in this case which will cause havoc later. All I am doing is asking him to ensure that a person who has had both legs amputated below the knee and who uses artificial limbs to get around is given a grant towards the cost of adapting his car. This is a reasonable and realistic request. Without anticipating the points which will be made later by my colleague about the disabled people protesting outside the Dáil, we have a duty to help disabled people who are trying to help themselves.
