Home adaptation grant thresholds
Deputy Mythen called for higher home-adaptation grant thresholds for older people and people with disabilities because construction costs have risen sharply. The Minister of State said a review in Housing was under way and close to completion.
I have been contacted by elderly constituents, including people with disabilities, who need to have their homes adapted to their needs. Would the Government consider increasing the thresholds to adaptation grants for older people and people with disabilities? At present, the grant only extends to a maximum of €30,000 for houses that have been built for more than 12 months and only €14,500 for those that have been built for less time than that. Building materials and the cost of labour have risen an average of 33% and are increasing on a yearly basis due to inflation. The same adaption grant has not been amended since 2014. I ask the Minister to consider raising the grants and income thresholds to reflect the true costs of the market today.
Comment on this
A review is taking place in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and not only is there a review of thresholds but also a review of what specifics can be included in the way of hoists and so on.