Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This was a good scheme. I am aware there is a shortage of funds at present but, like Deputy McGinley and others, I regularly deal with constituents from Gaeltacht areas. This scheme helped young couples to build homes in Gaeltacht areas and elderly people to make their homes safe and warm. Mr. McCarthy called for the abolition of the scheme but he does not live in a bad house in a rural or Gaeltacht area. I urge the Minister to engage the Department of Finance with a view to introducing a limited scheme in the next budget to assist the elderly. I recognise the scheme may not be fully reinstated but the elderly are particularly deserving. The quality of people's homes have improved over the 16 years in which I have represented Gaeltacht areas, partly thanks to this scheme.

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