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

Taking the last point first, we have increased the grant amounts and income exemptions considerably. For instance, if someone has an income of below €40,000, they get 100% of the grant, the disabled persons grant and the housing adaptation grant, which was previously 95%. Furthermore, we have increased the level of the grants. We are always seeking to ensure that what is on offer meets the needs of people.

The Deputy referred to Kerry. What is happening there can be replicated anywhere else in the country in terms of the desire that exists. It is about choice.

What we want to do under the programme for Government is to mandate local authorities to find suitable sites in areas - towns and villages - to give that choice in terms of public housing to allow people who wish to right-size to do so. I am taking a holistic approach. Local authorities are involved through the CCMA with me and the Department officials in terms of working with the policy group. Ultimately, the key focus is to get a more focused policy around housing choices for older people into a new housing plan in all of its elements.

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