David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the flexibility that is allowed with reference to the gross household income limits pertaining to the disabled persons grants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17952/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The administration of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme is delegated to local authorities within the framework laid down in statutory regulations; as far as is practicable, this is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility at local level. In the light of substantially increased demand for grant assistance in recent years, the majority of local authorities have reviewed their schemes, in order to streamline their operation, and have introduced a variety of mechanisms to ensure that the available resources are targeted to those in most need, including medical prioritisation, means testing and/or cost control.

The issue of means testing was considered in the context of the review of the operation of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme, which was undertaken by my Department. One of the primary aims of the review was to ensure that the available resources are targeted to those in most need of such assistance.

Details of the revised housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability were announced in February 2007 as part of the Government's new housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities. A revised scheme to be known as the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability will assist in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. The revised scheme is designed to ensure that available funding is targeted at lower income households and those whose need is greatest. Prioritisation of eligibility will be on the basis of medical and financial need with 95% of the approved cost of works available to those with annual household incomes of less than €30,000 tapering to 30% for those with annual incomes of €54,001 to €65,000. The income bands for the purposes of means testing will be amended annually in line with the amount of wage inflation in the preceding year. It is expected that the revised schemes will be implemented during 2007. Detailed administrative guidance for local authorities on the operation of the revised schemes will be issued in due course.