The Irish Environment Department has commissioned the Centre for Housing Research to undertake an evaluation of three housing adaptation grant schemes.

The schemes - Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, Mobility Aids Grant Scheme - are run by local authorities.

These revised schemes were implemented in 2007 and this evaluation aims to examine the impact of the new regime on applicants, and to identify any issues influencing the effectiveness of the schemes in meeting the housing needs of older people and people with a disability.

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The researchers hope to hear the views of older people and people with a disability; carers; occupational therapists; organisations working with older people or people with a disability; and contractors, who have undertaken grant-funded adaptation works.

Experiences of the application process for grants are also sought.

The impact of works funded under the schemes on the quality of life of older people and people with a disability will also be looked at.

As well as how the operation of the schemes could be improved and other relevant issues.

(PR/JM)