Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
29. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the cap of €30,000 on the Housing Adaptation Grants given of the increased costs in building and supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32939/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme. These schemes assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Funding of €81.25 million is available nationally in 2022 which is an increase of €6.25 million on the 2021 provision of €75 million, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. The review is now underway within my Department and is being informed by ongoing engagement with external stakeholders, for example, the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland, the Irish Wheelchair Association and Jack and Jill Foundation. Submissions have been invited from key stakeholders such as these this week in relation to the review of the suite of grants.
Among the areas which the review will consider are the income thresholds, the grant limits, the application and decision making processes, including supplementary documentation required. The review is to be completed by the end of 2022. Once I receive the completed review I will give full consideration to its contents and, following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I will bring proposals for any recommended revisions to the existing scheme to Government.
