John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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321. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government following the publication of his action plan for housing and homelessness four months ago, the status of the progress made to date on action 2.16 to bring forward pilot projects for housing initiatives for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/16]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Older persons have specific housing requirements such as being in proximity to their family and social networks and the need for access to public and other essential services, recreation and amenities. In recognition of this, Action 2.16 of the Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, commits to a number of pilot projects being advanced, beginning with Dublin City Council, based on best practice and cost effectiveness, taking a cross departmental inter-agency approach to housing initiatives for older people.

Last month, my colleague, Minister Coveney, formally launched the Housing withSupports report, which was the work of an Interagency Housing Working Group, led by Age Friendly Ireland, and which included a representative from my Department. The purpose of the Inter-agency Housing Working Group was to explore the options to better accommodate older people within their community rather than in residential care.

A Steering Group has been established comprising representatives from the Department of Health, the HSE, Dublin City Council, the Irish Council for Social Housing and my Department to guide delivery of the project and to harness the potential for mainstreaming best practice.

I understand that Dublin City Council has identified a potential site which is located next to a HSE health centre, which includes a Primary Health Care Centre.This site will be used to implement the initial pilot project of 50-60 units suitable for older people. I am advised that a capital appraisal for this project is currently being prepared for early submission to my Department for funding approval.