Vol. 575 No. 3
354 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will make a statement regarding the concerns of the Irish Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (details supplied); and if every assistance will be given to them. [28144/03]
I am aware of the concerns regarding the disabled person's grant which have been put forward by the Irish Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in the context of the forthcoming budget.
The significant improvements which have been made in recent years to the maximum disabled person's grant and the level of recoupment available have resulted in increased levels of demand with expenditure on the scheme increasing from €13 million for 2,455 grants in 1998 to €52.6 million for 5,932 grants in 2002. In line with this very significant increase in my Department's capital provision for the scheme, recoupment costs have also increased from €6.3 million for 2,512 grants in 1998 to almost €31.5 million for 5,070 grants in 2002. In that time the maximum grant has doubled from €10,158 to €20,320. These very significant increases in the levels of funding provided are a clear indication of the Government's commitment to the disabled person's grant scheme.
