Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
389. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason local authorities are now seeking P21s for pensioners in relation to housing adaption and housing aid grants (details supplied); and his views on whether this is waste of resources across various Departments and that local authorities need to be instructed to cease seeking this information. [24801/24]
View answerMy 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 include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which 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.
The schemes are means tested and operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. Evidence of household income must be submitted to local authorities with all applications under the scheme. This documentation is not shared with my Department.
Income from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) is usually included on a Statement of Liability or Income Tax Assessment. While some applicants only source of income may be from DEASP, guidance issued by my Department to local authorities recommends that a statement from DEASP stating weekly/annual payments will be sufficient.
