Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
1297. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will conduct a review of the terms and conditions of the housing grant scheme to allow local authorities to use discretion in the awarding of house repair grants for older persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45683/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 15 of 26 October 2017.
The terms and conditions governing the schemes were examined in 2013 by a review group that included representatives of grant beneficiaries and the local authorities. They considered how the benefits of the grants could be spread as widely as possible and to achieve fairness and value for money in the grants process. Arising from the recommendations of the review group, the income requirements for the schemes were revised in 2014 to bring the criteria in line with the assessment of need for social housing and to focus the grants towards those with the greatest needs. I have no plans to further revise the criteria at this time.
