Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In the Minister's answer in respect of the transition period to 2014 for the fuel allowance, she stated that she hoped that the retrofit programme announced in the jobs initiative would have borne fruit and that very few people would need to avail of it. Has she considered the situation with local authorities? They have schemes for housing adaptation grants and housing aid for the elderly and they have often proved to be very successful, but they are now under great strain. Waiting lists of two to three years are now the norm across the country. In times when local authorities could raise funds through development charges and so on, they had funds which would be matched by the Government at a multiple of three to four. That is no longer the case and it is now being said that local authorities may raise funds by means of utility charges, water charges and so on. The amount they might raise from these charges might not compare favourably with the moneys raised previously to provide those housing grants. Would it not be more practicable for funding from the jobs initiative to be put towards that area? These charges had a double edged return, because they were benefiting the construction industry and so on and the housing adaption grants would have included retrofitting anyway. She should consider this in light the of the statement by the Minister for Finance that she is on track and that there may be funding available in the 2012 budget for increased provision in that area.

To get back to the transitional period in 2014, especially for those contracted to work to 65 years of age, can the Minister give a commitment - I do not expect her to give it today - they will receive the same allowances, initiatives or State supports available to those who currently reach pension age at 66? As Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, to think of somebody seeking the jobseeker's allowance at 65 years of age is unfortunate given that he or she will have worked indoors or outdoors all his or her life.

Contrary to what has been said by others, I recognise that while everything is not fantastic, there have been huge improvements in working conditions, support systems and living conditions. People are living longer as demographics etc indicate. I support the theory of increasing the pension age. The Minister should not get me wrong in that regard but I want to ensure that now the decision is being taken, provision is made for those caught in the transitional period.

This has been debated over the past 15 to 20 years and we are now at the stage where it will come into effect. Those who are contracted to the age of 65 will be caught in the transitional period. Will the Minister give a commitment, if not today in the near future, that all allowances, supports and payments available to those who currently reach retirement age at 66 will apply to those who reach retirement age at 65 years of age in the transitional period, especially in 2014? I do not expect the same commitment to be given to people in 2021, 2028 etc.

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