Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

The electorate will deal with them on that basis in due course. How can the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government make a plan for every local authority throughout the country and examine it in detail? Every local authority should have that power and the obligation should rest with the local authority members. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, to examine this matter.

There have been several new aspects introduced recently. We are all familiar with the disabled persons grant and the essential repairs grant. However, there are new grants which I welcome. I congratulate the Minister of State for the introduction of the housing adaptation grant, the mobility aids grant and the housing aid for elderly people grant. My local authority, it would seem, would need considerable funding to carry out all the work entailed, given the number of applications made to the local authority. The grants sought by applicants to Mayo County Council under these schemes totals €5.7 million. While I welcome the proposals and the new schemes, they must be backed up with extra funding.

A former Member of the Dáil, Dr. Jerry Cowley, provides through the Safe-Home Programme Ireland accommodation in Mulranny. Those involved in the programme do tremendous work for people on their uppers in England, the USA and various other countries. They bring such people back home for their last days. In past years, these people sent home money to this country during very poor times. Any house or extra funding that can be provided in this area is very welcome. Any additional schemes provided by local authorities would also be very helpful and rewarding for such people in dire straits in those countries. I welcome the Bill and I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, will examine the areas I have highlighted.