Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Housing Grants.

Finian McGrath

Question:

249 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will safeguard the status of the disabled persons housing grant and ensure that the Irish Wheelchair Association gets the maximum support on this issue. [27855/03]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The disabled persons grant scheme is an important measure that facilitates disabled persons to adapt their dwellings to meet their specific housing needs and to therefore remain in their own homes. The significant improvements which have been made in recent years to both the level of grant and recoupment have resulted in a substantial increase in the level of demand for assistance under the scheme.

Officials from my Department have met with representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association to discuss their concerns in relation to the disabled persons grant scheme and these concerns together with the IWA written submissions are being considered in the context of the review of the scheme which is at present being finalised in my Department.