143. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be made available to local authorities in 2026 for housing adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4932/26]

Sentiment score: 0.30

I do not know how many times I have been here asking about housing adaptation grants. It is a huge facility to be used, particularly for those with disabilities or acquired disabilities, sometimes through old age. We know thresholds have been changed and also amounts. I would still say the system is not fit for purpose. Every local authority runs out of money, stops taking applications and then there is a bit of a minor disaster every year. This is about a system that is fit for purpose and will actually deliver for those who really require it.

Sentiment score: -0.00

The issue I have, which happens every year, is that there is an insufficient amount of money to cover the grants at this point of time. The fact that secondary and tertiary allocations have to be made shows this is a particular issue. That is only one of them; the other particular issue is that there has to be an allowance for those who need a greater level of works done such as where there are children with extreme mobility issues who have got older. We probably also need to look at how all this is delivered. It is not just about the figures. Sometimes it is from the same pot as regards the housing adaptation grant, the disabled persons' grant and the housing for older people grant, which is absolutely vital for windows, doors, etc., but it should not necessarily be from this for the same fund. There needs to be interaction with the HSE; I am not saying it falls completely on the local authority. We need to find the means for those who require far more substantial work to be done to allow people to live in their own homes. I am particularly talking about those with severe disabilities and mobility issues.

Sentiment score: 0.15

We all welcome any increase in the amount of money people can get. We all know that construction costs have gone through the roof. However, are they fit for purpose as regards the figures as they exist at the minute? No, they are not. Work needs to be done for those who have severe mobility issues, for example a child who gets older and has more specific needs. There needs to be a review not only of the adaptation grants provided but also in relation to housing. I know of people whose adaptation grants have been approved, but technically they cannot actually deliver it because they do not have the space within the confines of the house. I know of people who need to change their house on the basis of their children's needs. It would be a lot easier if they were actually in social housing. They may have bought a house from the local authority at one stage before these circumstances arose and now they are under pressure with clawback they have to give back. They will not be able to afford the type of house that is required for the child. The whole thing needs to be reviewed. It does not just fall on the Department of housing. The HSE also needs to do a piece of work.

Sentiment score: 0.07

They should get more.

Sentiment score: 0.00