Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 563: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a grant scheme for the installation of central heating for categories of persons who own their own homes and whose income is solely or mainly derived form social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40126/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is not proposed to introduce a national grant scheme for the installation of central heating in private houses. However, there are a number of selectively targeted schemes currently in operation under which grant-aid is available for the provision of heating systems. These schemes are outlined as follows:

Essential Repairs Grant Scheme

The essential repairs grant enables people in houses, which cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost, to have basic works, including the provision of central heating, carried out to them. The scheme is directed primarily at older persons living in poor housing conditions. It is operated by local authorities on the basis of partial recoupment of their expenditure (generally two thirds) by my Department.

Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme

Aid is available under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme, which is operated by the Health Service Executive, for necessary repairs to make a dwelling habitable for the lifetime of the occupant. In 2000, the scheme was extended to include the provision of suitable heating systems where found necessary to meet the needs of elderly persons.

Disabled Persons Grant Scheme

The disabled persons grant scheme provides for the payment of a grant to a person for the provision of additional accommodation or the carrying out of works of adaptation that, in the opinion of the housing authority, are reasonably necessary for the purpose of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a disabled member of the household. The scheme is operated by local authorities whose expenditure on grants is partially recouped (generally two thirds) by my Department. Guidelines for the scheme state that local authorities may assist in the provision of heating under the scheme in certain circumstances.

A review of these schemes was recently completed within my Department. Proposals for the future operation of the schemes are being prepared and are expected to be announced early next year in the context of a new Housing Policy Statement.