Vol. 553 No. 7
267 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to increase the level of the disabled persons grant in view of the increased costs of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15049/02]
Significant improvements have been made to the terms and conditions of the disabled persons grant scheme in recent years with the effective maximum grant doubling in three stages since 1997 from €10,158 to €20,320 currently. In addition, the grant now covers 90% of the approved cost of the works compared to two-thirds in 1997. The recoupment rate from my Department to local authorities in respect of grants paid has also increased, from 50% to two-thirds, and a disabled persons grant up to an effective maximum of €12,700 has been introduced for houses under 12 months old.
I have no proposals to increase the effective maximum grant under the disabled persons grant scheme at this time. My Department will continue to keep the terms and conditions of the scheme under review.
