Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (899)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

899. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he is taking to ensure that adequate funding is provided to local authorities to deal with the demand for the housing aid for older persons scheme, the mobility aids housing grant scheme and the housing adaptation grant for persons with a disability; and if he will review the current means test for this scheme in view of the fact that the current system places an unfair financial burden on applicants. [37628/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I am currently reviewing the terms and conditions of the suite of Grants for Older People and People with a Disability with the objective of targeting those in most need and ensuring that the maximum numbers of households can benefit from these schemes. The means test element of the schemes is one of the issues being reviewed. I intend to announce revised terms and conditions for the grant schemes later this year.

Capital allocations to local authorities next year are currently being considered in the context of the Estimates for 2014 and the competing demands for funding across all the measures within my Department’s housing programme.

Question No. 900 answered with Question No. 854.