Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

The disabled person's grant scheme and the housing adaptation scheme are vital elements in ensuring that older people and disabled persons can remain in their homes for as long as possible and enjoy a better quality of life. These grants also support employment and small builders. Tipperary County Council has stopped taking grant applications, effectively meaning that no work can be done for nearly six months. These are essential works like level-access showers, stair lifts and downstairs bedrooms. Tipperary County Council has used this scheme proactively and very effectively but the scheme has now been stopped due to a lack of funds. I ask the Minister to make funds available immediately to ensure grants can continue for the remainder of this year and to put in place a multi-annual funding model so that situations like this never arise again.

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