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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Housing adaptation grants

Summary

Deputy Lawlor raises difficulties with housing adaptation grant funding and slow approvals. The Minister for Housing says the grant has been increased and will remain under review.

I raise the issue of housing adaptation grants and the funding being made available across the country. From speaking to former colleagues on Wexford County Council and some of the officials there and colleagues from around the country across the Chamber, there seems to be a serious difficulty in terms of funding for the adaptation grants. While applications are being accepted, unless people are classed as medical priority 1, there does not appear to be any hope of receiving sanction for grants in the near future.

While I appreciate that the grant was increased by €10,000, which was most welcome, it is still very difficult to get a lot of the work involved done. In the context of things like access ramps, wet-room rails and the replacement of dilapidated windows and doors, the Taoiseach will appreciate that it is a big deal for older people if they are told they will have to wait for years. In County Wexford, a person who is not classed as priority 1 will encounter serious difficulties in trying to access a grant from the council. Will the Taoiseach comment on this matter?

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James Browne Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Fianna Fáil

The housing adaptation grant was increased. The grant is very important, and we will be keeping it under review as we move forward.

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