Vol. 555 No. 1
345 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to increase the level of the disabled person's grant in view of the increased costs of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/02]
Significant improvements have been made to the terms and conditions of the disabled person's grants scheme in recent years. The maximum grant has doubled since 1997 from €10,158 to €20,320 currently. It 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. A disabled person's grant up to a maximum of €12,700 has been introduced for new houses.
There is no proposal to increase the maximum grant under the disabled persons grants scheme at this time. My Department will continue to keep the terms and conditions of the scheme under review.
Question No. 346 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 347 answered with Question No. 184.
