Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy could apply for a disability grant for an adaptation. That is the normal case. If a person buys a new house which does not have all of the fittings and additional elements one would expect to be part of a new house, that is reflected in the cost of the house. If one buys a bare house, although it is a new house, that will be reflected in the sale value of the house.

I am aware of the points made on Committee Stage, although I was not there for the discussion. The objective of this scheme is to promote additional construction activity, over and above what exists. It is also hoped it will encourage tax compliance within the industry. In so far as the issue of disability has been raised, a person can apply for a grant for the works and if the application is accepted by the local authority, this will offset up to 90% of the cost. As I said, if a person buys a house that is bare, that is reflected in the cost of the house. It is significantly cheaper than a house that has all of the appliances and fittings.

This scheme is a stimulus measure that is about giving additional value to the construction industry. We believe it is finely scoped in terms of what we are trying to achieve and do not propose to extend it.

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