Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
358. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the current expenditure on the housing adaptation grant taking into account changes announced in budget 2020; the full-year cost of increasing expenditure by 10% and 20%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44106/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, a total of €71.25 million is available for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme, in respect of private houses. This is made up of €57 million Exchequer funding, with the balance of €14.25 million being contributed by the local authorities. A total of €45.9 million has been spent to date.
For 2020, I am pleased that an increased funding total of €73.75 million has been secured for the scheme. This will be made up of €59 million Exchequer funding, with the balance of €14.75 million being contributed by the local authorities.
Increasing funding by 10% would cost an additional €5.9 million to the Exchequer, with a further €1.475 million to be contributed by the local authorities, while an increase of 20% would cost an additional €11.8 million to the Exchequer, with a further €2.95 million to be contributed by the local authorities.
Further consideration will be given to increasing funding over the coming years in the context of the range of housing supports and provision being made under Rebuilding Ireland and also considering the commitments under the Government's Housing Options for Our Ageing Population - Policy Statement (Actions 4.1/4.2), which is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/housingoptionsforanageingpopulationeng_web.pdf.
