Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2024
78. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities will be provided with additional funding this year for housing adaptation grants; when the review into the report on the grants will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24304/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
These important grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People. The grants 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.
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 has considered are the current income thresholds and grant limits.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the report with the aim of bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes as soon as possible. I also intend to publish the final report at that time.
