Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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182. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if capital assistance scheme funding will continue to be made available to voluntary groups who wish to apply for same; if he has any proposals to change the nature of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36008/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Capital Assistance Scheme has continued to provide funding to approved housing bodies, through the local authorities, of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for people with specific categories of housing need. This includes older persons, people with an intellectual, physical or mental health disability, homeless people, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence.

My Department initially allocated €26.8 million at the start of this year for on-going commitments to approved housing bodies in 2014 under the Capital Assistance Scheme. Furthermore, in May 2014 details were announced of an additional capital investment of over €46 million under the scheme for a range of housing projects to provide 416 units of accommodation for people with special housing needs.

My overall plans in relation to the future delivery of social housing will be set out in the new Social Housing Strategy which is currently in preparation, with the intention that it will be considered by Government in the coming weeks. While the finalisation of the Strategy will be a matter for Government, I expect that the growing role of approved housing bodies in contributing to the supply of social housing, based on innovative solutions, will be recognised and resourced as part of our approach for the future.