Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
123. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to include decluttering support as part of the housing aid for older people grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33773/23]
View answerMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which helps older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority.
The Housing Aid for Older People scheme provides grants of up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Qualifying works include structural repairs or improvements, upgrading unsafe electrical wiring, repair or replacement of windows and doors and the repair or replacement of heating where the existing system is broken or beyond repair. Guidance issued from my Department to local authorities also states that painting and/or contract cleaning would be eligible for grant funding as part of a wider suite of works.
The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of the local authorities, therefore the qualifying works is a matter for consideration and decision on a case-by-case basis by the local authority within the scope of the grant scheme.
