COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

MOTION NO. 23

MOTION: Councillor M. Ward

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That this Area Committee agrees that South Dublin County Council should provide Occupational Therapy reports for Council Tenants that are in receipt of an old age pension. There are a number of residents in Clondalkin that are in need of adaptation to their homes but cannot afford the costs of an Occupational Therapy Report."

REPORT:

The Disabled Persons Grant Scheme has contributed towards the costs of adaptations that have assisted thousands of people with disabilities to remain independent and carry out routine tasks at home with dignity.

This Scheme is one of a number of government initiatives that also aims to improve the accessibility of Ireland’s local authority housing stock.

It is the function of the HSE to provide Occupational Therapy supports and information and, in the case of DPG applications, Occupational Therapist Reports (http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/O/Occupational-therapy/How-to-access-occupational-therapy.html ).  It is the function of South Dublin County Council to administer the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme, in accordance with the regulations and guidelines laid down by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

In 2017, following an agreement between the HSE (Dublin Mid West) and South Dublin County Council, it was agreed as an interim measure, for the HSE to provide OT Reports for DPG applications with no OT Reports, at a cost to this Council. This was in order to alleviate a backlog of applications with no OT reports arising from a lack of OTs in the HSE.  The cost of the HSE providing this service to the Council for 2017 was €9,000.  It is not sustainable, nor practical, for South Dublin County Council to continue this process.   It is important to stress that assessments by OTs are crucial to the DPG application and approvals process.

With regard to South Dublin County Council providing Occupational Therapist Reports for tenants who are in receipt of the Old Age Pension, please note that the DPG scheme is not age-related. The DPG scheme addresses the need of older people but also any other persons with disability but is not confined to persons on any social welfare benefit nor is it currently means tested.