Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this important matter. The Programme for Government - Securing Ireland’s Future includes several commitments to deliver practical housing for positive ageing. These commitments build upon the policy objectives in Housing for All that commit to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence.

The commitments in the programme for Government include: mandating local authorities to find suitable sites for housing specifically designed for older adults, ensuring accessible options within local communities; making it easier to convert houses into separate living spaces to allow older adults to continue living in familiar surroundings while adapting to changing needs; supporting AHBs in developing and managing senior housing with on-site support services, thereby fostering safe and supportive communities; and reviewing and standardising the older persons housing financial contribution scheme. Work on these commitments by a policy group I recently established to explore proposals on how best to progress these commitments is ongoing. Crucially, consideration of these proposals will feed into the development of the new housing plan that is currently being progressed in my Department. Advancement of a broader policy approach on rightsizing - as committed to in Housing for All - is also being considered as part of this process to deliver on the commitments made in the programme for Government.

We are looking at aspects like bridging finance, but, ultimately, it is all about choice for older people. That is the fundamental basis of my policy around providing options for older people.

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