Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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152. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a review of the management and criteria of the housing adaptation grants will be undertaken with a view to ensuring a greater uptake in the programme from those in the construction industry to carry out the works in view of reducing applications for grants for older persons and persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12052/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding to local authorities under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Housing for All commits to undertaking a review of the range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our ageing population and people with a disability. This review is being undertaken this year.

Grant applicants should engage with their respective local authority for any assistance that can be provided by the local authority regarding sourcing building contractors.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to address the issues arising from social housing eligibility criteria being assessed on the previous year’s income threshold. [11274/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Social housing is a long-term support intended to support households that have continuing, long-term difficulty meeting their own accommodation needs. This is reflected in the underpinning legislation and the Household Means Policywhich provides for applicants’ eligibility to be assessed on their net average income over the previous 12 months from the date of their application.

This is a fairer measurement of long-term need than heretofore. It allows for a more comprehensive picture of a household’s current and previous income at the time of assessment and ensures supports are prioritised for those who need them most.

My Department will continue to monitor implementation of the policy and consider any issues arising.