Marian Harkin
Ceist:669. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available as a matter of urgency for a family (details supplied). [57485/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 November 2021
Ceisteanna (669)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and to plan their lives. There are a range of services in place to protect individuals and families from excessive costs for their medical and surgical needs.
Applications to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a wide range of aids and appliances - including beds, wheelchairs, hoists, respiratory equipment etc - are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility under General Medical Services and community schemes. These applications are considered by Resource Allocation Groups within each Community Health Organisation and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available within local budgets.
Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability scheme assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. These works can include making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or a stairlift. 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/