Housing Adaptation Grant

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 April 2015

Thursday, 2 April 2015

Questions (234)

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

234. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to the housing adaptation grant scheme and the mobility aids grant scheme, if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by some contractors in getting paid for their work, in cases where local authorities make the relevant payments directly to the tenant, and the tenant subsequently keeps the money and withholds payment from the contractor; the steps he will take to ensure that there is adequate oversight of these schemes across all local authorities, in order that the system is not abused by tenants who withhold money for work completed; if he will ensure that contractors who participate in the schemes are protected, receiving their due payment in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/15]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability although 80% funded by my Department, is administered by the Local Authorities.

The matter of payment to contractors is between the applicant and the contractor. The Local Authority will pay eligible grants where copies of all relevant invoices are received from the applicant and the works have been inspected by a Local Authority building inspector.