Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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318. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will increase the funding allocation to local authorities for housing adaptation grants; the actions he will take to reduce the waiting times for such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20845/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Funding for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability has been increased in 2016 by some 10%, to an overall funding availability of €56.25m. Some 7,600 households benefitted under this Scheme in 2015 and with the additional funding, this should increase to 8,000 in 2016. I am conscious of the social benefit accruing from this Scheme in terms of facilitating the continued independent living by older people and people with a disability in their own homes. In line with the Programme for a Partnership Government, further consideration will be given to increasing this funding over the coming years.

It is also important that grant schemes such as this can be readily accessed by those who need them and accordingly, my Department will continue to work with local authorities to review the delivery of the scheme and streamline the application process, where possible, so as to reduce the waiting times for such work.