Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I am delighted the Ceann Comhairle has chosen this serious issue for consideration on the Adjournment. I was informed yesterday by staff in Roscommon County Council that up to 600 applications have been received for grants. There is a minimum two years waiting list for essential works such as toilet and shower facilities, window replacements and central heating upgrading. When discussing an application relating to an elderly man in his 70s living alone, recently discharged from hospital, who has no toilet, shower or running water in his home, I was informed it would take two years before his application is even examined. Roscommon County Council is dealing with applications received in November 2007. Funding is so poor that these are dealt with in chronological order. However, only high-priority cases will be examined. Elderly people living in County Roscommon and in south Leitrim who need shower facilities because of their disability have no hope of any financial assistance. The councils have two-year waiting lists and, in addition, the HSE has withdrawn all funding for special housing aid for the elderly which was used for emergency cases. Is the Minister of State aware that there are 200 homes in County Leitrim without running water? That is the highest number in the country.

I suggest that the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, should make funding available, especially for emergency cases. This would create employment and would also provide small builders and tradesmen with a weekly income instead of obliging them to collect social welfare. It would help the ailing building industry and it might resolve some of these alarming cases. As politicians, we are inundated with requests for housing aid for the elderly and for repairs to houses. I ask the Minister of State to ensure that sufficient finance is made available and that henceforth these elderly people in the twilight of life will not have to wait two years.

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