Urgent Review required for the sake of our older population
Issued : Monday 5 January, 2009
Areas : General
Deputy Jack Wall has urged the Minister for Environment to urgently provide additional funding to Kildare County Council following news from the Council that funding for the grants for 2008 has ceased completly.
Deputy Wall added "Once again this Government has deserted those most in need in our society. Yes times are hard, but is there anybody counting the cost that will incur to the state when this essential work is not carried out and those unfortunate enough to find themselves in this situation, have to leave their homes for hospitals and Nursing homes.
Unfortunately, I currently have cases where this has already happened, where constituents are in hospital or nursing homes and but for the sake of a stairlift, low level shower or indeed some minor alterations to their homes, they could still be
living at home. Once again we could be using this economic downturn to employ the many building workers who have lost their jobs, in this type of work instead of allowing them to join the ever-expanding dole que's.
What makes the situation all the more frustrating is the fact that many of these applicants have been waiting on news of their grants for over a year, during which time their health and indeed the continued support of their loved ones has been tested, time and time again.
How long more can we continue to believe a government that promises to protect the most vulnerable only to desert them in their hour of need" concluded Deputy Wall.
