Housing Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022

Thursday, 3 March 2022

Ceisteanna (172)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

172. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the rules governing the need to satisfy the local authority that you will occupy the property as your normal place of residence when applying for the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability to take into account parents of a child with a disability who have shared custody as the current rules are preventing children and parents access to visitation and shared living arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12084/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

Regulations S.I. 670 of 2007 and S.I. 104 of 2014 provide the statutory basis for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Article 8 of the Regulations provides that the applicant must occupy the house as his or her normal place of residence on completion of the works. 

The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility.

Separately, Housing for All commits to undertaking a review of the range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our ageing population and people with a disability. This review is being undertaken this year. 

Question No. 173 answered orally.