Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
606 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage of the housing grant that is considered to be self financing from an Exchequer point of view taking into account the construction activity such grants create, deadweight and the taxes received from increased economic activity as well as social welfare savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26906/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes have a major impact on the quality of life for the many thousands of beneficiaries and are vitally important in assisting older people and people with a disability to continue to live independently in their own homes. In 2011 alone, a combined Exchequer and Local Authority contribution of over €76m facilitated the payment of over 11,000 grants to householders all across the country.
There are substantial social and fiscal benefits accruing as the grant schemes also generate local employment opportunities for builders and businesses. My Department estimates that up to 12 man-year jobs are sustained for each €1 million investment in housing retrofitting and improvement works. The detailed socioeconomic indicators referred to are not available in my Department.
