Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 1

Written Answers. - Community Works Scheme.

Seán Ryan

Question:

65 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, in respect of the Eastern Health Board's eastern community works scheme for house improvements for the elderly he will give details of (a) the number of current applicants awaiting improvements in areas 7 and 8, (b) the number of people employed on the scheme in areas 7 and 8 and (c) the total amount allocated for this scheme in 1991 in these areas; and given the delay being experienced by people waiting on those improvements, if he will arrange for extra resources to be made available to help eliminate the waiting list.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I have been informed by the Eastern Health Board that 67 applications for home improvements are currently in hand in community care areas 7 and 8. Of these applications 28 are considered eligible and urgent. The necessary works will be undertaken shortly. Thirty nine cases are being examined and the need and the extent of the works required is being established.

Two of the board's five teams are working in these areas — each consists of a foreman and ten FÁS trainees. For some works contractors are engaged as necessary. Finance for materials or contractors is made available as required for the teams.

The number of works completed in these areas for the last two years is as follows:

1989	1990	1991
62	63	13 completed
		28 in hand and to commence
		39 being examined