Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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65. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the proposals he has to increase substantially the level of funding to county councils in respect of the various housing grant schemes which are essential to assist in the necessary upgrading of housing accommodation, in many instances for older persons or for persons with a disability who are living in unsuitable accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28621/16]

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. Further consideration will be given to increasing this funding over the coming years in the context of Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.