Rogers says Welfare Reform Bill a Shameful Attack on Needy

“I have tabled a ministerial question in relation to the inevitable increase  in demand for Occupational Therapists, as the PIP benefit places a great deal of onus on what adaptations /appliances are in the applicants home which assists with their disability. Have there been strong lines of communication between the Department of Social Development and the Department Health regarding the additional demand which will be placed on the Occupational Therapy services across the North as a consequence of the proposed introduction of PIP? “This service is already severely stretched with those applying for a grant from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting months upon months on an assessment by Occupational Therapy. “It is clear that Northern Ireland is not prepared for, nor does it need, such savage cuts to our welfare system which are only designed to alienate the most vulnerable in our society.”]]>