Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on establishing a payment to assist older people in the maintenance of their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32182/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has introduced a revised scheme of grant aid to assist older people in carrying out essential repairs and improvements to their homes. This is the main mechanism for assisting older people maintain their home. The new scheme, which will be administered by the local authorities, will provide grant aid of up to €10,500 to cover works such as structural repairs, replacement of windows and doors, re-wiring, dry-lining, installation of central heating, water and sanitary services, cleaning and painting. The scheme will be funded by 80% contribution by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government with the remaining 20% being funded from local authorities own resources.

In view of this I have no plans for the establishment of a payment to assist older people in the maintenance of their homes.