Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
89. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any plans to change the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability so as to take sensory disabilities into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3421/23]
View answerMy Department provides exchequer funding to local authorities to support the Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability which supports disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs.
This grant is for people with a physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability. In general, it can be used for works such as level access showers, accessible bathrooms, access ramps, stair lifts or extensions.
I can confirm that the grant is available for the carrying out of works of adaptation that, in the opinion of the local authority, are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for a member of the household who has an enduring sensory impairment.
The focus of the grants is on infrastructural and adaptation works. The types of works allowable under the scheme for those with specific sensory needs include the provision, or adaptation of, rooms to provide a sensory space or other works which are reasonably necessary.
Applications of this nature should be supported by a multidisciplinary assessment of the applicant by specialist healthcare professionals.
The total funding available for the suite of Housing Adaptation grants has increased to over €83 million for 2023, continuing the year on year increase since 2014 for these extremely important grants.
