asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the need for the provision of a suitable institution to accommodate aged persons in Dublin City and County, who are destitute and homeless, or lack domestic help, and, if so, what action is being taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Accommodation for Aged.
So far as local authorities are concerned, accommodation for aged persons in Dublin City and County who are destitute and homeless and lack domestic help is provided in St. Kevin's Institution and in its recently established subsidiaries, viz. the reconstructed former fever hospital premises at Cork Street and, for casual destitute persons, the reconstructed former Mendicity Institute premises at Usher's Island.
Proposals have been submitted by the Dublin Board of Assistance for the provision of additional improved accommodation for such persons at Ballymun and these proposals are being examined. I hope to arrive at a decision shortly.
Accommodation is also provided in a variety of voluntary institutions and homes, large and small, some of which receive financial assistance from the local authorities.
In this field of care for the aged who have no relatives who could look after them there is much which could be done, additional to what is being done already, by organised voluntary effort and I hope that in the future charitable societies will more and more turn their attention to this growing problem.