Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Regional Group for giving us the opportunity to talk about this important matter. Housing adaptation grant aid for the elderly and mobility aids grants is the most important part of the housing programme in Kerry County Council. We have a very active group of people working in that department. They are doing great work for people who need adaptations and little things to make their houses more acceptable to live in and to ensure that they stay in their homes longer. I must mention people like Joanne, Josephine and Steffi. They are such great girls. I also mention Donal O'Regan and all the other men and women who are working in that department in Kerry County Council and who are doing great work. The Minister has to realise, however, that the cost of materials and labour has gone through the roof and that the grants are not meeting the cost of the jobs that need to be done. There has not been an increase for many years. We need such an increase now.

If an extension is required, there does not seem to be any money to do that. There might be enough for one or two in the whole country each year. Take the example of a farmer's house that has fallen income complete disrepair and cannot be refurbished. I have asked the Minister several times to give funding to the local authorities in order that they can get a demountable home - a mobile home - and finish their days on the farm where they have been all their lives.

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