I propose to take Questions Nos. 1462, 1463, 1472, 1536 and 1564 together.
The review of the Disabled Person's Grant scheme, which incorporates the conditions governing the Essential Repairs Grant scheme and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme was recently finalised within my Department.
The needs of applicants with limited means, the level of grant available and the requirement that local authorities make a contribution from their own resources towards the financing of the scheme, have been considered in the context of the overall review. Proposals for the future operation of the schemes are now being prepared by my Department, in consultation with other public agencies concerned and I expect to be in a position to announce these shortly.