Written answers

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Housing Aid for the Elderly

8:00 pm

Photo of Catherine ByrneCatherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 498: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Health Service Executive plans to cease the running of a scheme (details supplied); if and when this scheme will be transferred to the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10411/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In line with a Government Decision, taken in February 2006, the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme will be transferring from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to the local authority sector. The Government Decision arose on foot of a recommendation made in the Core Functions of the Health Service Report which stated that a more integrated service and better value for money may be achieved by transferring responsibility for the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme to the local authorities, who already had responsibility for the Essential Repairs and Disabled Persons Grant Schemes.

In order to facilitate the implementation of the Government Decision, a new Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People, to be administered by local authorities, was introduced in November 2007. The Scheme amalgamates the provisions of the old Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the existing Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Grant Scheme, with the aim of providing targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people.

I am conscious of the need to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme from the HSE to the local authority sector. To allow sufficient time to resolve relevant issues, including the allocation of staffing and other resources, I have agreed with the HSE that the Scheme will continue to operate and be administered by the HSE, until such time as the appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that the local authorities are in a position to accept the scheme on transfer. I am pressing the HSE to conclude this process as quickly as possible.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.