Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if funding is currently available for sheltered housing projects, housing projects for returning emigrants; if so, where one may apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43929/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) funding is provided to Approved Housing Bodies, through the local authorities, for the provision of accommodation for persons with specific categories of housing need, including older persons, persons with a disability, homeless persons and elderly returning emigrants who qualify under the Safe Home Programme.

My Department’s involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, including the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding scheme , and the nomination of tenants is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. In the case of elderly returning emigrants the Safe Home organisation assesses applications and compiles a list of eligible applicants for use by approved housing bodies and local authorities in the allocation of accommodation. Elderly emigrants wishing to apply for accommodation may contact the Safe Home Programme at St. Brendan’s Village, Mulranny, Co. Mayo.

A total of €50 million is available in respect of the CAS programme for 2012. Earlier in 2012 funding was allocated to local authorities in respect of existing commitments on projects underway. In July I announced details of a €35 million programme of special needs housing provision which is intended to deliver some 377 housing units at 55 locations across the country.