Ms Mary Hurley:

I will respond to some of the housing adaptation and social housing issues the Deputy raised and Ms Neary will talk about universal design, what we have done to date in that regard in some of the social housing developments we have been involved with and also in terms of our engagement into the future.

With regard to the housing adaptation grants, we have seen a year-on-year increase of 1,000 grants. We are aware there is huge demand in local areas for these grants. This year the target is 10,000. We provided 9,000 last year. As regards the funding, in response to Deputy Casey, the €66 million includes the contribution from the local authority. That is the amount at present. As in previous years, where there is additional funding in the Department, we know this is an area of need so we will move the money over to that area. Local authorities are aware of that. That is the funding piece.

Regarding prioritisation of grants and meeting the needs of those who need the grants most, we are very flexible with local authorities. They have discretion in respect of particular cases that arise. The group last week raised a good point in terms of future-proofing and anticipating where people will need a grant in the future.

Obviously, we must prioritise those who need an adaptation, but there are certain circumstances where we know that a person will be going into hospital for a particular procedure and it makes sense to carry out the adaptation that will be required by him or her after discharge. We are very flexible with local authorities in these circumstances. They should be doing it, where possible.