CAR VICTORY FOR OMAGH BOMB GIRL
Car victory for Omagh bomb girl
Disabled student wins appeal
By William Allen
WELFARE chiefs have reversed a decision to refuse a Motability car to a student who lost her leg in the Omagh bomb.
Suzanne Kelly (21) was told last week she was not entitled to benefit from the scheme, which provides vehicles for disabled people.
The angry student lodged an appeal and was warned she might have to wait for months before learning of the outcome.
But within a week, the DHSS has decided she did qualify for the Motability scheme after all.
The DHSS said today the new decision was taken quickly because a register has been compiled on Omagh bomb victims who are dealt with through a "fast track" process.
A relieved Ms Kelly said today she was originally only granted Disability Living Allowance for a two-year period, whereas recipients must be deemed permanently disabled for three years to qualify for Motability.
She added: "I was completely devastated and I rang the DLA in Belfast and asked if they could extend the period to three years, but the girl said that wasn't possible.
"My situation won't change in the foreseeable future. I don't think my foot will grow back within the next three years."
Ms Kelly said she first learned of the department's change of heart through her social worker.
She explained: "The DHSS first contacted my social worker and told her they were now prepared to award me what I was looking for.
"They then phoned me and apologised for the delay and said they were now prepared to give me DLA for the next four years instead of two.
"I asked them why the sudden change of heart and they said mine was a special case and everything possible was being done for the victims.
"I can't understand why they just couldn't do this in the first place."
The delighted student, who celebrated her birthday this week, said she has already picked out the car she wants.
"I'm looking forward to getting around again. It should make life a lot easier for all of us," she said.
A spokesman for the DHSS confirmed the review process would normally take between 12-16 weeks.
He added in the case of Omagh bomb victims, a victims' register had been set up so claims could be prioritised.
He added: "All claims will be dealt with under current legislation. However, claims from victims will be processed as quickly as possible and there should be no unnecessary delay."
Disabled student wins appeal
By William Allen
WELFARE chiefs have reversed a decision to refuse a Motability car to a student who lost her leg in the Omagh bomb.
Suzanne Kelly (21) was told last week she was not entitled to benefit from the scheme, which provides vehicles for disabled people.
The angry student lodged an appeal and was warned she might have to wait for months before learning of the outcome.
But within a week, the DHSS has decided she did qualify for the Motability scheme after all.
The DHSS said today the new decision was taken quickly because a register has been compiled on Omagh bomb victims who are dealt with through a "fast track" process.
A relieved Ms Kelly said today she was originally only granted Disability Living Allowance for a two-year period, whereas recipients must be deemed permanently disabled for three years to qualify for Motability.
She added: "I was completely devastated and I rang the DLA in Belfast and asked if they could extend the period to three years, but the girl said that wasn't possible.
"My situation won't change in the foreseeable future. I don't think my foot will grow back within the next three years."
Ms Kelly said she first learned of the department's change of heart through her social worker.
She explained: "The DHSS first contacted my social worker and told her they were now prepared to award me what I was looking for.
"They then phoned me and apologised for the delay and said they were now prepared to give me DLA for the next four years instead of two.
"I asked them why the sudden change of heart and they said mine was a special case and everything possible was being done for the victims.
"I can't understand why they just couldn't do this in the first place."
The delighted student, who celebrated her birthday this week, said she has already picked out the car she wants.
"I'm looking forward to getting around again. It should make life a lot easier for all of us," she said.
A spokesman for the DHSS confirmed the review process would normally take between 12-16 weeks.
He added in the case of Omagh bomb victims, a victims' register had been set up so claims could be prioritised.
He added: "All claims will be dealt with under current legislation. However, claims from victims will be processed as quickly as possible and there should be no unnecessary delay."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0557
Published Date: 22-Jan-99
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