Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1134: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the upper limit for the grant to adapt a home to accommodate a person with a disability was last increased; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a bedroom and bathroom extension in Dublin would cost at least twice the maximum limit for this grant; and if he will undertake a review of building costs with a view of revising these limits in the forthcoming Budget. [20567/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Significant improvements were made to the terms and conditions of the disabled persons grant scheme in recent years. Since 2 December 1998, the effective maximum grant available has doubled from €10,158 to €20,320, and the rate of recoupment to local authorities in respect of grants paid has also increased from 50% to two-thirds. In addition, the grant now covers 90% of the approved cost of the works compared to two-thirds in 1997. A disabled persons grant up to an effective maximum of €12,700 was also introduced for new houses.

The issue of grant levels was considered in the context of the review of the operation of the disabled persons grant scheme, which was undertaken by my Department. 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. Under the revised scheme the effective maximum grant will be increased to €30,000 which may cover up to 95% of the cost of works. Furthermore, the grant levels will increase in line with the building cost index on an annual basis thus protecting the value of the grant into the future.

The revised scheme, which is expected to be implemented later this year, will target resources at those in most need and provide a more seamless set of responses to the needs of older people and people with a disability.