Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that sufficient funds are made available towards the building of OPDs or houses for the disabled in order that both front and back doors are fitted sufficient in width to allow for wheelchair access and that clear access is available for wheelchairs inside the doorways; his views on whether it would be better value to ensure that this is carried out at the time of construction rather than having to provide independent grants to reconstruct such houses at a later date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32361/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has undertaken a broad range of actions as part of a strategic response to enhance the range of housing supports and services available to the disadvantaged and vulnerable in society, including older people and people with a disability. These actions range from the introduction of better-targeted financial supports to the development of inter-agency protocols to ensure coordinated service delivery at local level where there is a care dimension in association with meeting housing need.

The specific accommodation needs of older people and people with disabilities can be met through a wide range of available supports by this Department. These include local authority housing, voluntary and cooperative housing and the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, introduced in November 2007, which provide targeted support to assist older people and disabled people in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.

In dealing with the provision of housing to cater for a specific household need, the requirements are determined in consultation with the prospective tenant and their healthcare professionals, and incorporated into the design. Costs can vary significantly depending on the specific needs.

Below this level of need, the national Building Regulations, which are operative with effect from 1 June 1992, apply to all dwellings. Part M sets out the legal requirements for Access for People with Disabilities to buildings, including dwellings and was amended with effect from 1 January 2001 to require that all new dwellings must be visitable for people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs. Compliance in this regard is achieved by making the entrance of a new dwelling accessible or, where this is not practicable, an alternative entrance should be rendered accessible.