Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Tully for raising this important issue. I will deal with the two items. Regarding Part M, and it providing for "visitable" rather than "liveable", the Deputy might forward to me precisely what she has in mind in that regard.

We have carried out a review on the housing adaptation grants and I am looking at it in partnership with and working with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. Once again, I wish to reassure and to give that firm commitment to both Deputy Tully and to people with disabilities that the implementation plan is an absolute priority for both me and my Department. We are working to have it published in the next couple of weeks along with an awareness campaign. That awareness campaign is being developed by the Housing Agency.

While disabled people continue to access all the various housing options available to them, the ultimate goal is to make our country an even better place for disabled people to live in, to access the right kind of housing or accommodation where disabled people have choices, and are involved with and consulted on matters and decisions which affect their lives. Their independence is hugely important. The new joint national housing strategy for disabled people, as well as the more detailed implementation in line with the emerging implementation plan, will ensure delivery of this goal. This is a matter in which I take a personal interest, as does the Department, and within the next couple of weeks we will publish a robust implementation plan for housing for people with disabilities, together with an awareness campaign. I give that firm commitment here today once again.

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