Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to housing for people with disabilities as the 2006 report from the National and Social Development Office highlights that people with disabilities are far less likely to have a job than other people of working age (details supplied); if he will recognise the low income and amend the housing policy in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21563/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Eligibility for the affordable housing schemes is open to persons in need of housing and whose income in the previous tax year satisfies an income test. The administration of the schemes is a matter for individual local authorities and they must assess each application on its merits having regard, inter alia, to the ability of applicants to manage their repayments. They must satisfy themselves that the financial commitment being entered into would not put undue pressure on the applicant and their family over the lifetime of the loan.

Applicants for affordable housing with disabilities should not encounter any particular problems if they can satisfy the local authority that they can make the necessary repayments. In addition, where the household income was below €28,000 in the previous tax year, a subsidy of between €1,050 and €2,550 is available to assist with the repayments. This applies equally to persons with disabilities. It is also open to persons with disabilities who do not qualify for assistance from the affordable housing schemes to seek assistance through the range of social housing measures operated by housing authorities.