Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
358. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to increase the maximum grant available under the housing aid for older people scheme for roof repairs/replacement in view of the increased construction costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33597/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to increase funding for housing adaptation grants for older persons and persons with a disability, in view of local authorities' reports that they cannot meet demand; and when the report on the review of Housing Adaptation Grants will be published. [34342/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra430. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the major discrepancies in the time it takes for different local authorities to reimburse applicants for work done under the housing adaption grant scheme; if he will consider circulating a memorandum of understanding among local authorities to ensure all local authorities are processing payments in the same timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34375/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 358, 428 and 430 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs.
The detailed administration of the grants, including the assessment, approval and payment of individual grants to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. I understand that all local authorities make every effort to process grant payments to applicants in a prompt manner.
The total funding available for the suite of Housing Adaptation grants has increased to over €83 million for 2023, continuing the year on year increase since 2014 for these extremely important grants. My main focus in respect of these grants is in seeking to spread their benefits by further increasing the funding that is available at national level including wider access to funding at the local level.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the grants scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Written submissions were also invited and considered as part of this process. Among the areas which the review considered are both income thresholds and the grant limits.
On foot of my consideration of the Review report, I have asked my Department 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.
