Vol. 529 No. 4
154 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the South Eastern Health Board has not provided a full occupational therapist's report to complete the consideration of an application under the disabled persons grant scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if this delay is due to a lack of staff in this area; and the way in which he will deal with the backlog. [2939/01]
155 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in providing an occupational therapist's report for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who has made a claim for a disabled persons grant; the number of occupational therapists employed in the South Eastern Health Board area; if this num ber needs to be increased in view of the increased delays being experienced by applicants for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2940/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The provision of housing modification grants for people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government and they are provided through the relevant local authority. Health boards are involved with these grants to the extent that an assessment of the individual case must be carried out by an occupational therapist from the health board in order for the grant to be approved. Accordingly, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, at 11 January 2001, some 14 occupational therapists were employed by the South Eastern Health Board. I am aware that there are staff shortages in the therapy grades in the health service. In order to address these shortages, my Department has engaged Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates to undertake a workforce planning study to report on the prospective supply and demand for a number of therapy grades, including occupational therapists. This report is expected within the coming weeks.
The report of the expert group on various health professionals made recommendations in relation to an enhanced career structure for occupational therapists. This has resulted in a large number of occupational therapists being upgraded. It has also led to the creation of a clinical specialist post for the therapy grades. The creation of this grade will allow for career progression for those who do not want to move into management. It will also ensure that clinical expertise is not lost to the professions.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 154.
