Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 633: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to evaluate the DPG scheme in relation to increasing the present ceiling on the grant, in partnership with the Health Service Executive, the amalgamation of the DPG and the top-up grant as operated by the HSE in view of the problems that applicants are encountering at present in seeking to have the necessary work carried out to facilitate their needs to ensure a better quality of life for themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35678/06]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 634: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to evaluate the ERG scheme with a view to increasing the grant to ensure that applicants can have the necessary work that they seek to have completed at their homes to ensure a better quality of life for themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35679/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 634 together.

The review of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme, which incorporates the conditions governing the Essential Repairs Grant scheme and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme was recently finalised within my Department. The level of grants available under these schemes has been considered in the context of the overall review.

My Department is currently preparing proposals for the future operation of the schemes, in conjunction with other public agencies concerned, and the issue of the operation by the HSE of the 'top-up grant' is being examined as part of this process.

I am very much aware of the importance of the efficient operation of the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes in assisting with the provision of appropriate accommodation for disabled and elderly persons in the community. The focusing of the schemes on real needs, both financial and accommodation-related and its operation in an efficient manner is critical in ensuring that it achieves its aim. I am confident that the revised schemes will significantly contribute to this achievement and I expect to be in a position to announce these shortly.