Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to provide a 100% disabled person's grant to people who are on invalidity pension and are house-owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4517/06]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to increase the disabled person's grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4518/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 346 together.

The disabled person's and essential repairs grant schemes are intended, like a number of other housing grant schemes operated by my Department, to assist works which provide additional or adapted accommodation in private houses. However, they are not designed to cover the full cost of works for all applicants. Local authorities may provide reconstruction loans to qualified applicants who have difficulty in obtaining finance to meet the balance of the cost. The focusing of the scheme on real needs, both financial and accommodation-related, and its operation by local authorities in an efficient manner will be critical in ensuring that it achieves its aim. The outcome of the review of the operation of the scheme, which is at present being finalised in my Department, will significantly contribute to that achievement.

One of the primary aims of the review has been to ensure that the available resources be targeted at those in most need of such assistance. The needs of applicants with limited means, including those dependent on social welfare benefits, and the amount of the grant available have been considered in that light.