Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

59 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment if it is possible to provide a 100 per cent grant in respect of the grant scheme administered by local authorities for housing assistance for disabled persons where the applicant and the house owner's income is derived solely from State benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Seán Barrett

Question:

210 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if it is possible to provide 100 per cent grants under the scheme administered by local authorities for housing assistance for disabled persons where the applicant and the house owner's income is derived solely from State benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Stagg)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 210 together.

Under the statutory terms of the disabled persons grant scheme operated by the local authorities, the amount of grant assistance is limited to two-thirds of the approved cost of the works in the case of a private house. There are no proposals to provide for an increase in this limit. I should mention, however, that the maximum amount that is recoupable to the local authority from my Department was increased from £2,500 to £4,000 last year.