Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
683. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans for local authorities to support persons with a disability by approving a second housing building loan for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40302/21]
View answerIt is a matter for individual local authorities to assess an applicant's eligibility for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan in accordance with the conditions of the scheme. These conditions include a loan amount of 90% of the market value of the property or, in the case of self-build properties, 90% of the total build costs subject to a maximum loan of between €225,000 and €288,000 depending on where the house is located.
The scheme does not provide any additional funding for people with a disability. However, a range of other targeted supports are available to support the housing needs of disabled persons.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (max grant €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (max grant €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People (max grant €8,000). A means test applies to each grant scheme. The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of the local authorities.
Further details on these schemes is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
