It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for the disabled persons grant scheme in their area from within the allocation notified to them for disabled persons and essential repairs grants by my Department and to manage the operation of the schemes from within this allocation. My Department recoups to local authorities two thirds of their expenditure on the payment of individual grants and it is a matter for the authorities to fund the remaining one third from their own revenue resources with amounts provided for that purpose in their annual estimates of expenses.
All authorities have been asked to indicate their capital requirements and proposals for the funding of their own one third contribution for these schemes in 2005 and on receipt of this information the available funding will be allocated to authorities. The requirements of Kildare County Council will be considered in this context.
In relation to the provision of 100% funding, for the scheme, section 4(iv) of the Housing (Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grants) Regulations 2001 allows the recoupment to a local authority of a contribution which does not exceed two thirds of the amount of the grant, or €13,546.67, whichever is the lesser. It is not, therefore, open to my Department to recoup 100% of expenditure in the case of Kildare County Council. In specific instances, approval has been given to local authorities to use internal capital receipts which are surplus to the funding requirements of their housing construction and remedial works schemes to supplement their revenue provision for disabled persons and essential repair grants.
I am aware of the situation in Kildare. Officials from my Department met with council officials last November to discuss their operation of their disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes. The council undertook to examine further certain aspects of the operation and funding of the scheme and to revert to my Department in this regard.
