Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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1464. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the guidelines issued to local authorities regarding grant availability for the upgrading of heating systems under the housing aid for older people scheme, given that the template application form which is issued to all local authorities states that no grant is available under this scheme for upgrading an existing central heating system; his views that the grants available from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland cover only a small proportion of the cost of such works and as such are not viable for many households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31623/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme provides grants of up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The grant eligible works include the provision of heating where the household has no current heating system, as well as structural repairs and improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, the provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, cleaning and painting. The upgrading of an existing central heating system is not grant aided under the scheme. As such grants are available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, I do not propose to extend the scope of such support under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme , given the need under the Scheme to target the most vulnerable applicants who are living in poor housing conditions and enable them to remain living independently in their homes for longer and, in some cases, return to their homes following periods of hospitalisation.