Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
572. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether those who must have adult children living with them due to the housing crisis should not be omitted from the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability, as the overall household income exceeds €60,000; if he will increase this threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35803/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra635. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position of the review into the housing adaptation and housing aid grants; when he will announce the findings of the review; if he is planning changes in the grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36595/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra664. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the review of the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with disabilities; his engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform on the recommendations; when he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37152/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 572, 635 and 664 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 grants available operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes. The schemes are means tested and grant assistance is not available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, exceeds €60,000 per annum. The household income approach is intended to spread the benefits of the grant scheme as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in operation of the scheme towards those with the greatest needs. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme.
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 the income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required.
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, and it is my understanding that this engagement is ongoing at present. I will publish the report, including the agreed amendments to the scheme, once that engagement has concluded.
