Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
75. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce incentives to encourage the building of homes for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18544/22]
View answerHousing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system.
The strategy commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including policies on rightsizing for older people. Work is underway through my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on rightsizing this year.
Additionally, the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme facilitates older people and people with a disability to remain living independently in their own homes. Older people in private housing who want to remain living in their existing dwelling can avail of the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability and Older People, the Mobility Aids Grants Scheme and the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme to make adaptations and improvements to their homes to enable them to go on living there safely and in comfort.
Housing for All commits to undertaking a review of these housing grants, which is currently underway to ensure the income thresholds and grant levels are updated and that the works being funded are appropriate and the target market being met. The full review will be completed this year.
