191 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will approve an application from a local authority (details supplied) to extend the availability of the grant scheme for older people to carry out improvements to their homes. [6053/02]

I revised the regulations governing the administration of the essential repairs grant scheme in December last following representations received from some local authorities, including South Dublin County Council, regarding difficulties with a particular aspect of the regulations. Revised guidelines on the scheme were issued by my Department to local authorities on 20 December 2001.