I propose to take QuestionsNos. 1208 and 1247 together.
The administration of the disabled person's and essential repairs grant schemes, including the processing of individual applications, is a matter for the local authorities. The framework for the operation of the schemes is laid down in statutory regulations and, as far as practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to local authorities. It is a matter for the authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for the schemes in their areas from within the allocations notified to them by my Department for this purpose and to manage the operation of the schemes within these allocations.
My Department recoups to authorities two thirds of their expenditure on the payment of individual grants. It is the responsibility of the authorities to fund the remaining one third from their own resources from amounts provided for that purpose in their annual estimates of expenditure.
A review of the disabled person's grant scheme is being finalised in my Department at present. On its completion, I will be in a position to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme to ensure that the funding available is directed at those persons in greatest need of such assistance. Due to the interrelated nature of the disabled persons, essential repairs and the special housing aid for the elderly grant schemes, all three are being considered in the context of the review.