Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1447: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to provide additional funding for schemes (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30171/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The administration of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, which were introduced in November 2007 in place of the Essential Repairs and Disabled Person's Grant Schemes, is a matter for individual local authorities.

My Department made a combined capital allocation of €1,678,170 to Roscommon County Council in May 2008, for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. The revised schemes, i.e. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, and Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.

In light of the high level of activity under the revised schemes experienced in 2008 by Roscommon County Council, my Department recently made a supplementary allocation of €350,000 to the Council towards the operation of these schemes this year.