asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied that the funds allocated for the special aid programme for the elderly in 1984 is adequate to meet the applications which have been made for assistance under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid Programme for the Elderly.
12.
Firstly, as the Deputy will appreciate, all the applications received under this special aid scheme need not necessarily qualify for assistance. This is a matter for consideration locally by the various health boards. Apart from that aspect, however, I can assure the Deputy that all cases approved in 1984 will receive appropriate assistance.
Is the Minister aware that many authorities do not have sufficient funds to pay grants to enable this very worthwhile, valuable and humane work to be carried out? In view of the serious shortfall in funds available in local authority areas, will the Minister give an assurance to the House that special measures will be taken to provide the small amount of money required to enable these necesary works to proceed?
As I indicated in my reply, all cases approved in 1984 will receive the appropriate assistance. If there are cases that are not receiving this assistance I should like to know about them but I can only tell the Deputy that, from my information, all such cases will be approved and paid.
Is the Minister aware that the authorities do not approve cases where they do not have sufficient funds to meet the approvals and that the number of applications approved equates with the amount of grant available from central government? Is he aware that other applications have to await approval until further funds are available? In many areas these works cannot proceed because of the small amount allocated by his Department.
I am not aware of that. The health boards have an obligation in the matter and they have to carry out their obligation and they certainly have not informed us of the situation as set out by the Deputy.