Michael Ring
Ceist:122 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if an age qualification applies to the essential repairs grant; and, if so, if he will give details of this qualification. [21597/01]
Written Answers. - Essential Repairs Grant Scheme.
In accordance with statutory regulations, the essential repairs grant scheme is operated by local authorities and is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to the authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to decide the level of funding to be provided for the scheme in their area, to assess the circumstances of each individual applicant, to decide what works are necessary to prolong the useful life of the house for the occupants and to determine the level of grants in individual cases and the circumstances in which a grant may be paid.
The regulations governing the essential repairs grant scheme do not specify an age qualification. In determining priority between grant applicants, local authorities take into account relative means and needs and generally restrict the payment of the essential repairs grant to elderly persons.