asked the Minister for the Environment the number of old people who are living in inferior accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old People's Accommodation.
17.
On the basis of the most recent assessment by housing authorities of the housing needs of their areas, it appears that about 6,500 elderly persons are regarded by them as in need of rehousing, and that the nett annual prospective need over a period of five years is expected to be about 700. The total requirements of elderly persons for dwellings to be provided by the combined efforts of the private and local authority housing sectors would be approximately 2,000 units per annum if all the accumulated and prospective needs were to be met within the next five years. Housing authorities are at present providing a little more than 10 per cent of their total house completions, of about 700 new houses a year, suitable for elderly persons or small families, which is in line with the target recommended to them some years ago by my Department.
Does the Minister accept that because of the vulnerability of elderly people, particularly in urban areas, the Department should have a specific policy in regard to the housing of elderly people to ensure their protection—that such a policy should embody not just units of accommodation but other environmental aspects for the protection of elderly people?
I would be glad to see to that, but most local authorities of which I know have a particular design for these houses. Where that is not being done I will be glad to remedy it.
Has the Department guidelines in this respect?
I have no details of such guidelines.