Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2015
204. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grants and supports available in the provision and adaptation of housing for persons with intellectual disabilities to provide for some independent living in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18055/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of housing to support independent living by people with specific categories of need, including people with an intellectual, physical or mental health disability, older people, the homeless, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence, is supported through my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme. The scheme provides funding of up to 100% of the approved costs. Housing under this Scheme is provided by approved housing bodies and its detailed administration is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
My Department and the local authorities also provide supports to tenants of local authority housing and to private house owners in respect of necessary housing adaptations. For the former, my Department meets 90% of the cost of adaptation works to meet the needs of local authority tenants with a disability, with local authorities providing the remaining 10%. For private house owners, the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability assists households with specific needs to have necessary repairs or improvement works carried out to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes. My Department provides 80% of the approved funding, with a 20% contribution from the local authorities.
