asked the Minister for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that essential repairs grants are available to needy householders in the borough area of Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Housing Repair Grants.
459.
The essential repairs grants scheme has, since its introduction in 1963, been confined by statute to houses located in county health districts. This followed from the basic objective of the scheme which was to enable local authorities to give assistance for the carrying out of essential repairs to prolong the lives of houses, occupied by elderly persons, where there would not be a continuing need for the house.
The same considerations do not apply in urban areas. I have no proposals at present to extend the essential repairs scheme to urban areas, since I am not convinced that this would be the best way of dealing with any problems of unsatisfactory housing conditions of elderly persons in urban areas.
The Government's concern in this regard is, however, evidenced by the fact that a further provision of £1 million was made in this year's budget to finance the special programme of the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly which is designed to improve the living conditions of elderly persons living in insanitary or unfit accommodation. I am satisfied that this approach is more flexible and effective than a formally regulated grants scheme and that it enables speedy action to be taken where necessary on behalf of those living in unacceptable conditions.