Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 144: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on increasing the maximum grant available from local authorities for disabled persons grants to at least €30,000 due to the escalating cost of building recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22291/07]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 300: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the new disabled persons grant maximum limits will be increased. [22956/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 300 together.

In order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, my Department has reviewed the operation of the Disabled Persons, Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Grant schemes. Details of the revised framework of grant aid to assist older people and people with a disability were announced earlier this year as part of the Government's new Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.

As part of the new framework, a revised grant scheme to be known as the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability will be introduced on 1 November 2007, and will assist in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. The maximum grant available under the revised scheme will be €30,000, covering up to 95% of the approved cost of works. Under the revised framework, the grant level will increase annually in line with the building cost index, thus protecting its value into the future.