Vol. 515 No. 3
218 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to increase the thatching grant in view of the fact the current grant fails to meet 50% of the cost of thatching a house and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5794/00]
In May 1999 I introduced significant improvements to the terms and conditions of the scheme of thatching grants operated by my Department, which provides grants towards the cost of renewal or repair of thatched roofs. The basic maximum grant was increased from £2,400 to £3,000 and for houses on specified offshore islands from £3,600 to £4,500. Grants are payable to meet two thirds of the approved cost of the works, subject to the maximum limits.
I also introduced a new measure to assist lower income households, for whom the cost of maintaining a thatched roof imposes a particular burden, whereby householders with medical cards are now eligible for thatching grants up to a maximum of £5,000, or £6,500 in the case of houses on the offshore islands. In addition, in such cases the grant may cover up to 80% of the approved cost of the works, subject to the maximum grant limits.
I have no proposals to further amend the terms of this scheme.
