Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
320. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will take steps to remove financial barriers that prevent persons from availing of housing adaptation and repair schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23212/21]
View answerMy Department provides funding to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme. These schemes assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.
The grants available operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes. The schemes are means tested and grant assistance is not available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, exceeds €60,000 per annum. A review is being undertaken this year by officials of my Department in relation to the means test criteria.
Local authorities, in administering the scheme, will always try to work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with their financial circumstances and Scheme parameters.
Further detail on these schemes is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
