Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
649. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is an intention to increase the housing adaption grant for people with disabilities, which has a maximum grant of €30,000 or 95% of the cost of the works up to the maximum grant amount of €30,000, in view of the increased costs in construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27098/23]
View answer653. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability will be published.. [27164/23]
View answer707. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated full-year cost if the budget for housing adaptation grant for people with a disability increased by 12.5%. [27628/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 449, 653 and 707 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability which supports older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority.
The funding available for these grants in 2023 has increased by almost €2 million on the original 2022 provision to a total of €83.125 million which includes an Exchequer funding provision of €66.5 million together with a €16.625 million contribution from local authorities. Increasing funding by 12.5% would cost an additional €8.3125 million to the Exchequer and additional funding of almost €2.08 million to fund the contribution by the local authorities.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the grants scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds and the grant limits. On foot of the careful consideration of the Review report, I have asked my Department to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the Review report.
