Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that the review has been concluded and that it is with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. I hope that the costs will get sorted out. The one issue I did not hear the Minister of State talk about is housing aid for older people. Is that part of the review? The level of the grant needs to increase because of construction inflation, and the income thresholds also need to be increased.

In addition, a little bit of flexibility is required for the housing adaptation grants because of the nature of the individual cases of people with disabilities. We need to provide flexibility to local authorities to ensure that the scheme is effective for the individuals who need the money. I compliment Galway County Council, where I have had experience of the staff members who are working on these schemes, including the engineers who go out to check them. They deserve great credit. The demand is increasing and it is important that we recognise that as well.

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