Vol. 483 No. 3
236 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the grants, if any, provided by his Department for the upgrading and restoration of old houses and cottages, particularly those located in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20389/97]
There are a number of targeted schemes currently available to assist necessary house improvement works in appropriate circumstances e.g. disabled persons grants, essential repairs grants, the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly and the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing. I am, however, in the context of the Government's Action Programme for the Millennium, examining what options are available for a targeted house improvement grant scheme for low income households having regard to the range of measures currently available and the likely cost implications.
