Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 580: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the mechanisms available to a person to seek grant aid for the provision of toilet or bathroom facilities where an ERG/DPG does not apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24396/06]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 581: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department are investigating a grant scheme for the provision of toilet or bathroom facilities for persons who do not qualify for any of the current schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24397/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.

It is not proposed to introduce a generally available grant scheme for the provision of toilet or bathroom facilities. However, there are a number of targeted options currently available to assist vulnerable groups, such as lower income households and elderly persons to secure necessary improvement works to their houses. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, the disabled persons and essential repairs grant scheme, the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme and the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme which is operated by the Health Service Executive in line with guidelines issued from time to time by the Task Force who administer the scheme under the aegis of my Department, aid is provided to improve the housing conditions of elderly persons living alone in unfit or unsanitary conditions and may include the provision of toilet and bathroom facilities.