Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
362. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that in the case of a housing adaptation grant application for a person who has suffered catastrophic injuries, their sibling’s income should be taken in to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21238/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra363. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to increase the funds to local authorities this year or to provide additional funding this year for housing grants such as housing adaptation grants, housing grants for older people and mobility aid grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21249/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will take steps to widen the medical criteria for determining eligibility for the disabled persons' grant; if same grants can be increased to reflect or mirror current construction costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21655/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 362, 363 and 380 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 include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The Exchequer funding provision of €74.5 million for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme has been increased by €8 million for 2024, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
The focus of the grant scheme is on how a disability, whether physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual, impacts on the suitability of their home. The scheme is focused on how the grants can assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of that person. A system of medical prioritisation is also in place to ensure applications are prioritised on the basis of the medical needs of the applicant. The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various grants, 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.
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 means test is underpinned by legislation and includes the income of all members of the household living in the home aged 18 years or over (except for those in full-time education that are aged under 23 years), along with the owner(s) (and spouse if applicable). The owner(s) income (and spouse if applicable) is not assessed in cases where the house is owner by an Approved Housing Body or private landlord. Further details on these schemes is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
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 Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds that apply and the grant limits. On foot of my consideration of the Review report, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the report with a view to bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes as soon as possible with a view to also publishing the final report.
