Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1387: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details regarding a scheme (details supplied) run by the Health Service Executive; if this scheme has been transferred to the local authority; the status of applications for works to be carried out which were received before this move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30343/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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In order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, my Department undertook a review of the operation of a number of grant schemes, including the Essential Repairs Grant. Given the overlapping nature of the schemes, it was also necessary to review the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme (SHAE) operated by the Health Service Executive. Following this, the Government decided in February 2006 to transfer the SHAE to my Department.

On 1 November 2007, a new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme was introduced by my Department and is being administered by the local authorities. This scheme replaced the Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the SHAE. Following a period of overlap with the new scheme, the SHAE was discontinued from 1 August 2008. Applications on hands at that date will continue to be processed by the HSE.