Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
483. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he has revised the focus of the housing aid for the elderly grant to exclude replacement doors and windows; his views on whether this exclusion will render many essential repairs ineffectual; if he will reverse his decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7830/14]
View answerLast month, some changes to the terms and conditions of the schemes were notified to local authorities. These changes were made on foot of the recommendations of a review group, established in 2013 by my Department, to examine the terms and conditions governing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Membership of the group included the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA), the Housing Practitioner Network, Local Authority personnel and my Department. Consultations were held with organisations working with older people and people with a disability. The aim of the review was to target the grants at those in greatest need, spreading the benefits as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in the operation of the schemes.
In the case of the Housing Aid for Older People (HAOP), there has been no change with regard to the range of grant-eligible works under this scheme. Grant assistance for the replacement of sub-standard windows and doors is still available. It is a matter for the local authority to determine the scope and extent of the works to be carried out. While the maximum grant available under this scheme has been reduced from €10,500 to €8,000, it is worth noting that the average grant paid to applicants under this scheme in 2011, 2012 and 2013 was €4,162, €4,106 and €3,995, respectively.
