Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures in view of the funding shortfall by local authorities under the housing aid to the elderly scheme and the disabled persons grant scheme in 2008 he has put in place to ensure that the combined scheme is adequately funded in 2009; the allocation to each local authority under the combined grant scheme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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In line with my objective of prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable households, the financial provision secured for housing in 2009 will allow for the level of funding allocated towards housing supports for older people and people with a disability this year to be increased by 8% over the initial estimate for 2008. This provision will enable local authorities to continue effectively to respond to the housing needs of these target groups through the payment of increased numbers of grants.

Local authorities will be notified of their combined capital allocations for the operation of the Schemes in 2009, following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.

As in previous years, it will be a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.