Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Housing Grants.

Richard Bruton

Question:

221 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has made provision in the 2004 Estimates for a change in the maximum grant, in the percentage subvention for applicants, in the coverage of works, or in his Department's recoupment of cost to local authorities in respect of the essential repairs grant or grant for adaptations of a home to accommodate a person with a disability; and the terms which will apply in respect of each in 2004. [27951/03]

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

Details of the capital funding being provided for the payment of the disabled persons and essential repairs grants in 2004 will be made available in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2004 which will be published early in 2004.

A review of the disabled persons grant scheme is currently being finalised in my Department. On completion of the review, I will be in a position to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

222 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if the application for a first-time buyer's grant by a person (details supplied) can be re-assessed; if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances of this case and to the fact that the person in question satisfies all of the qualifying criteria except their date of application; if an understanding approach can be taken in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27984/03]

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

Applications under the new house grant scheme, which was terminated as and from 14 November 2002, were required to be received in my Department on or before 4 December 2002. The application in this case was received subsequent to that date and a new house grant cannot therefore be allowed.