Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the essential repairs grant is available to elderly couples where only one person is over 65 years of age and their dependent spouse is under the age of 65 years; if the scheme is confined to people over the age of 65 years or if it is open for applications from elderly people with the term elderly not being specifically defined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12642/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the qualifying criteria set by his Department for the essential repairs grant administered by local authorities; if the criteria are applied identically in all local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12643/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.

The regulations governing the essential repairs grant scheme, which is operated by local authorities, do not specify an age qualification. The scheme is designed to enable elderly people whose houses cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost to have basic repairs carried out. In determining priority as between grant applicants, local authorities would have regard to relative means and needs and they generally restrict payment of essential repairs grants to elderly persons. The administration of the scheme in individual cases is a matter for the local authority concerned within the framework laid down in the regulations, which as far as is practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to authorities at local level.

Persons who do not qualify for assistance under the essential repairs grant scheme may be eligible for assistance under the housing aid for the elderly scheme, operated by the Health Service Executive, or under the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing. Full details on these options, including application procedures, can be obtained from local authorities.