Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
54. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to review the threshold for housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33143/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline what alternatives are open to people in County Louth who need a housing adaptation grant but who cannot apply to Louth County Council because the applications process is closed until January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33037/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 83 together.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities. My Department advises local authorities annually that, as far as practicable, a percentage of the allocation under the schemes should be ring fenced in respect of any emergency applications which might arise under these schemes during the course of the year. Consequently, all local authorities manage their schemes to ensure access to the grants programme is maintained to the extent possible throughout the year in the highest priority cases and further information in this regard would be available directly from the local authorities. It should be noted that Louth County Council have confirmed that urgent cases involving hospital discharges are still being processed.
My Department recently considered and approved a further Exchequer allocation provision of over €570,000 in 2023 as requested by Louth County Council. Housing for All commits to reviewing the grants scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. A report on the review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds and the grant limits. On foot of my careful consideration of the Review report, I have asked my Department officials to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the Review report. I will publish the report, including the agreed grant levels and income thresholds, once that engagement has concluded.
