Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am not dismissing the Deputy's idea. I know the idea and have often talked about it. It is done under the financial contribution schemes where, certainly in the city, people are selling their houses back to local authorities at prices ranging up to €450,000. The scheme exists at that level. Depending on one's age one makes a financial contribution. Currently the scheme does not exist for houses valued at more than €450,000. Under the new partnership agreement, a working group is being set up to look at more integrated living for older people which would provide care plus housing. Various aspects of it are being examined. The voluntary sector will be involved in that side because there are older people who want to move into accommodation with independent living in the shorter term but which might have options for care. Different ideas are being examined and expanded on. Given that a working group is to be set up under the new partnership agreement to look at that aspect I do not dismiss what the Deputy says.

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