COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, April 08, 2024
QUESTION NO.6
QUESTION: Councillor L.Guéret
To ask the Chief Executive if consideration would be given to engaging the services of an Occupational Therapist to provide assessments for the residents of South Dublin County when they apply for Housing Adaptation or any grant application that requires an Occupational Therapy Assessment.
REPLY:
The Disabled Person's Grants (DPG) scheme is available for Council tenants who require alterations to be carried out to their Council home to assist with their disability needs. Applicants need to submit a completed application form together with a Doctors certificate fully completed and a full Occupational Therapist (OT) report, to South Dublin County Council, Medical Section.
In 2023, a total of 152 applications for DPG scheme were received from Council tenants each accompanied by an OT report as required.
There are three categories of available housing grants for private households as follows:
- Housing Adaptation Grant (HAG) for people with a disability (HAG)– grant to assist disabled people with required works (Max grant €30k/means tested/required Occupational Therapist recommendation)
- Housing Aid for Older People Grant (HOP): essential repairs/improvements for older people aged 66years+. (Max grants €8k/means tested)
- Mobility Aids Grant (MAG) – mobility works for older persons, based on Occupational Therapist report (max Grant €6K/ means tested on household income <€30k)
In 2023, 616 private grant applications were received for the above three schemes, each accompanied by an OT report as required.
An Occupational Therapist's report can be obtained from the HSE or privately, costing on average between €200 - €250. The Council do not engage the services of Occupational Therapists to provide assessments for Council tenants or private households.