Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 570: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to increase the maximum grant payable under the disabled persons grant scheme from €20,300 to a more appropriate level of funding as the current sum is inadequate; when his plans will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26359/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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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. Under the revised scheme, the maximum grant available will be increased from the current €20,320 to €30,000, and will now cover up to 95% of the approved cost of works, compared to 90% previously. The grant level will increase annually in line with the building cost index, thus protecting its value into the future.