367 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if local authorities under the disabled person's grant scheme are entitled to provide a footpath round a house or part way round where such grant is provided for a wheelchair bound person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/02]

Under the disabled person's grant scheme, local authorities may pay a grant for the provision of additional accommodation or necessary works of adaptation to a house to meet the current and potential long-term needs of a disabled member of the household. Within broad overall guidelines set by my Department, it is a matter for each local authority to assess the circumstances of each individual applicant and determine the circumstances in which a grant may be paid.