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04/12/2003
Minister announces home disability grant
Social Development Minister, John Spellar today announced the abolition of the means test for parents of disabled children who apply for Disabled Facilities Grant for help with the costs of adapting their homes.
The Disabled Facilities Grant is intended to make the home of a person with a disability suitable for their needs. Administered by the Housing Executive it is open to people who own their home, landlords and private sector tenants.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Spellar said: "There is a strong moral argument for ensuring that any barriers disabled children may face in getting facilities they need are removed. The principle of exempting children from charges is already firmly established in a number of other policy areas, such as dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services.
"From early next year the means test for parents of children with disabilities who apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant will be abolished."
The decision follows the establishment of a working group in April 2003 by the Department for Social Development.
"I am indebted to the working group for their time and effort in looking at the issue and identifying the disadvantage that these children experience and I am glad that I have been given the opportunity of putting that right," Mr Spellar added.
Des Browne, the former NIO Minister with responsibility for Social Development, established the working group in April 2003.
(MB)
The Disabled Facilities Grant is intended to make the home of a person with a disability suitable for their needs. Administered by the Housing Executive it is open to people who own their home, landlords and private sector tenants.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Spellar said: "There is a strong moral argument for ensuring that any barriers disabled children may face in getting facilities they need are removed. The principle of exempting children from charges is already firmly established in a number of other policy areas, such as dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services.
"From early next year the means test for parents of children with disabilities who apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant will be abolished."
The decision follows the establishment of a working group in April 2003 by the Department for Social Development.
"I am indebted to the working group for their time and effort in looking at the issue and identifying the disadvantage that these children experience and I am glad that I have been given the opportunity of putting that right," Mr Spellar added.
Des Browne, the former NIO Minister with responsibility for Social Development, established the working group in April 2003.
(MB)
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