David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 398: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has a specific policy in relation to local authority social housing provision for adults with disabilities, in particular with regard to promotion of independent living, sheltered housing and housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/07]

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

A range of measures are available to local authorities through their social housing investment programmes to meet the housing needs of people with a disability who are on their waiting lists. These range from standard local authority rented housing to loans for improvements and grants for adaptation of existing houses. In assessing applications for accommodation, authorities have been asked to ensure that applicants are made aware of the full range of options available and to establish the most suitable response to an individual's need. In addition, local authorities enable the voluntary and cooperative housing sector, through their housing schemes, particularly the Capital Assistance Scheme which is funded by my Department, to provide accommodation for people with a disability.

My Department's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, published earlier this year, reflects the commitment in Towards 2016 to develop a national housing strategy for people with a disability, by end 2009. Work has commenced on the development of this strategy which is being progressed by a National Advisory Group under the aegis of the Housing Forum, headed by my Department and involving the Department of Health and Children, the Health Services Executive, social partners and other relevant stakeholders including the National Disability Authority. The strategy, which will give a broad framework to inform the future development of local authority Housing Action Plans, will support the provision of tailored housing and housing supports for people with a disability and have particular regard to adults with significant disabilities and people who experience mental health issues.