asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that more dwellings are provided for elderly people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Care of the Aged.
68.
As I told the Deputy in my reply to his Question No. 24 of 14th November, 1973, I asked housing authorities last October to initiate a new vigorous campaign for the care of the aged, jointly with health and welfare authorities. I suggested that the provision of suitable housing should be the focal point of this effort. Specifically, I asked that in each area an informal working party, representative of all the services involved should be set up to co-ordinate a new local campaign setting defined objectives; and that these objectives should include a planned programme for providing schemes of sheltered housing, and a formal system of community care and support for the elderly when they are rehoused. I have repeated this call publicly several times since then
As sufficient time has now elapsed since last October, I am asking housing authorities to report to me on the action taken since then to develop my suggested nationwide campaign. Apart from direct action by the local authorities, capital grants are payable by my Department to assist the provision of housing accommodation for the aged by religious and philanthropic bodies.
Can the Minister state if he has yet received any reports from the local authorities?
No, I have only recently asked for them.