Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available to carry out radon remedial works for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44499/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing Aid for Older People scheme is available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Where a suite of works is being grant aided under this scheme, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable. The administration of the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, including the processing of individual applications, is a matter for the local authority concerned.

My Department made a combined capital allocation of €1,962,090 to North Cork County Council for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in private houses in 2008. On foot of increased demand at local level, further Exchequer funding of €300,000 was issued to North Cork County Council in October 2008. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the scheme in their areas from within this allocation.

Notification of individual allocations to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in 2009 will be made following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. My Department is in the process of liaising with all local authorities regarding their funding requirements under the schemes in 2009.