Tony Killeen
Ceist:487 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will approve additional finance to Clare County Council for the disabled persons accommodation grant scheme. [8972/02]
Written Answers. - Disabled Person's Grant Scheme.
I have introduced significant improvements to the terms and conditions of the scheme on three occasions since coming into office. The effective maximum grant available under the scheme has doubled from €10,158 to €20,320. I have also increased the recoupment rate to local authorities in respect of grants paid under the scheme. In November 1998, local authorities were recouped 50% of grants paid. Now they are recouped two-thirds of the amount of grants paid.
In line with a significant increase in the Department's provision for the disabled persons grant scheme, the recoupment to Clare County Council has also increased substantially. In 1998 Clare County Council was recouped €108,599 in respect of 32 disabled persons grants. Last year the Department recouped to Clare County Council €976,210 in respect of 128 disabled persons grants.
Whilst the priority claim on the use of internal capital receipts has been assigned to the main local authority housing programme and the remedial works scheme in to supplement the Exchequer funding in these areas, capital moneys surplus to these requirements may be used for any housing purpose, including the funding of the local authority's portion of the grants paid under the disabled persons grant scheme, with prior approval from my Department.
A proposal has been made by Clare County Council to my Department requesting the assignment of a proportion of internal capital receipts to fund the local authority share of approved disabled persons grant applications. This proposal is under consideration by my Department and a decision will issue to Clare County Council in the near future.