Housing Grants

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 February 2012

Wednesday, 29 February 2012

Ceisteanna (137)

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

140 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the Health Service Executive occupational therapist reports are not sufficient for local authorities when tenants need essential works carried out due to health issues; the reason that local authority housing tenants need an OT report when they must have this done by a private therapist at the cost of anywhere up to €300; if there is any funding available to persons who cannot afford to have this report done privately; if the community welfare officer can pay the occupational therapist and be reimbursed when the works are approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11751/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

My Department provides capital funding to local authorities to assist with the provision of necessary adaptations and extensions to their properties to meet the needs of tenants with a disability. It is a matter for the local authority to determine the nature and extent of the required works and to procure the necessary technical or professional services to ensure that the works are fit for purpose and designed and constructed in accordance with best practice.

My Department is not aware of instances where a local authority tenant would be required to obtain and pay for professional services, including reports from occupational therapists, in cases where adaptations or extensions are being undertaken by the local authority to the social housing stock.