Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the scheme itself, back in May we increased the 2024 allocation to €93 million. Some €75 million of that was from the Department and the remaining 20% was matched funding from the local authorities. The scheme delivers up to 13,000 grants each year. We hope to increase that to 15,000 grants. Some local authorities are better than others. We allow local authorities to front-load applications for the first six months on the basis of what they were allocated the previous year. As I said in response to questions from Senator Cummins, a review into restructuring the scheme is ongoing. As we enter the 2025 budgetary cycle, we hope that, with the agreement and approval of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, we can get commitments to further increase that funding. However, that review must be finalised. We are delivering a very high number of grants. As the Deputy said, they are essential for vulnerable people. These adaptations make a very significant difference to people's lives. We will continue to support this really important scheme.