James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, taking account of the expensive process of removing and disposing of asbestos safely according to regulations, there are grants available to assist in the removal and disposal of asbestos roofs from domestic dwellings; if not, his views on introducing such grants, particularly in the case of hardship and where health issues and risks may arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15117/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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There are no specific grants available from my Department or local authorities for the removal of asbestos in housing. However, my Department operates a number of targeted options to assist especially vulnerable groups such as lower income households and elderly persons to secure necessary improvement works to their houses. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, a Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability and a Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People.

An information leaflet, Asbestos in Your Home, is available free of charge from ENFO, my Department's environmental information service. This includes advice on the maintenance of asbestos materials, and their removal and disposal. The leaflet advises the public to contact the Health and Safety Authority to obtain information in relation to the handling and use of asbestos. I have arranged for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy.