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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Cost-rental disability adaptations

Summary

Deputy Joan Collins said disabled tenants in LDA cost-rental schemes face unfair costs and limited grants for adaptations. The Taoiseach said he would raise the issue with the Minister and the LDA and wanted the schemes to be genuinely inclusive.

In reply to a question I submitted recently regarding the lack of suitable accommodation for people with disabilities in LDA cost-rental developments, the Department of housing stated that the tenant is responsible for the financial cost of adaptation and recommended the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability. As one must earn below €66,000 but above the social housing threshold, and the rent must not exceed 35% of one's net income, those who qualify for cost rental would only be entitled to a maximum of 50% of the grant. As LDA cost-rental developments are new builds, that means this grant is further reduced by another 51.7%, meaning that in LDA cost-rental tenancies, people with disabilities are only entitled to 24% of the grant. Does the Government recognise that LDA cost-rental developments are not affordable or accessible for many people living with disabilities? What will the Taoiseach do about it?

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The Deputy raised an important point. I will ask the Minister about it and speak directly to the LDA about it. We have developed a new model from scratch in relation to cost-rental and a new structure from scratch in relation to the LDA. Like Deputy Rabbitte, as the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, I am eager that all these schemes are inclusive in a real and meaningful way.

Comment on this

They cannot even build a door wide enough.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I will come back to the Deputy directly about it. It had not been brought to my attention.

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