Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have outlined in detail to the Senator the manner in which the grant allocations have been made. We need to acknowledge those local authorities that have been more proactive and kept these schemes open, for which they have been rewarded. Others, however, closed them. A local authority, essentially as the housing authority, is ultimately the responsible authority for how the scheme is administered.

The Department is conscious of the need to prioritise the grants in areas in which the age demographic is higher. In areas in which there is a higher percentage of over 65s and the populations are larger such as in County Meath there should be an adequate weighting in the grant allocations to meet that demand. Commitments had already been made to people under the grants scheme, including in County Meath and other local authorities, that we had to see through once approvals were made. Allocations were made on this basis. The amount available to Meath County Council in 2014 under the scheme was 73% higher than in 2013. I anticipate a further increase in the full amount of funding for 2015. I accept that the grant is essential and important to those who need it most. That is why the Government continues to support the scheme and wants to increase allocations in 2015.