Senator Gareth Scahill has welcomed what he described as a positive response from the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, after calling in the Seanad for the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme to be expanded.
Senator Scahill raised the issue through a Commencement Matter, calling for the scheme to support a broader range of home adaptations and assistive technologies.
He welcomed the “significant reforms” introduced following the Government’s 2024 review of the scheme, including increased grant limits, higher income thresholds, improvements to the means test and additional Exchequer funding.
“The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme is one of the best examples of Government investment making a real difference to people’s lives,” Senator Scahill said.
“It allows older people to remain in the homes they have built their lives in and gives people with disabilities greater independence.
“Every adaptation that allows someone to stay safely at home is not only the right thing to do, it also reduces pressure on our hospitals and long-term residential care.”
Senator Scahill said the next step should be to build on the recommendations of the 2024 review by ensuring the scheme keeps pace with changing technology and the practical challenges faced by families.
