Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I call on the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to reintroduce top-up funding for applicants who have secured essential repairs grants but cannot afford to pay the personal contribution. The essential repairs and disabled person's grants have been a tremendous success and helped to update and refurbish many houses which were in need of new doors and windows, heating and sanitary services. Local authorities have administered the grants and provided funding of 75% to 90%. While most applicants have had to come up with the remaining funds, some on the bread line and those dependent on pensions cannot afford the sums of up to €4,000 which may have to be added to the grant.

According to my information, until last January community welfare officers could top up the grant to help those people who were needy. Sixteen savage cuts were introduced last January and these people now have nowhere to turn. I have spent the last two weeks approaching my local health board, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Social and Family Affairs but nobody appears to be able to help these unfortunate people. I ask the Minister to tell me who took this decision and to put in place a system to ensure that the most needy are not forgotten. Winter is fast approaching while the most needy are living in houses which need doors, windows, heating etc.

Given the numbers of people working for the Government, I cannot believe Departments cannot liaise with each other to find out who has been left out following a cut. I have spent two weeks speaking to those in charge of various Departments and agencies who have told me there is nothing they can do. I ask the Minister to reinstate the top-up grant from community welfare officers to ensure that needy people do not go without.