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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sheltered Housing.

Michael Bell

Question:

184 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to grant subsidiary benefits to elderly people in sheltered housing; in view of the fact that if they were living in their own houses they would qualify for such benefit and that if they were in full time care by the State it would cost much more to keep them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The purpose of the various free schemes operated by my Department, such as free electricity and natural gas allowances, free telephone rental and free television licences, is to assist elderly persons living alone on limited means and to encourage them to continue living in their own homes instead of going into care. In the majority of cases, the applicant will be the owner of the house. However, ownership is not essential and persons living in rented houses or in sheltered housing may apply for these allowances on the same basis as anybody else.

As regards sheltered housing generally, applications for the free schemes are considered having regard to the living arrangements which vary from one housing scheme to another. For example where the elderly person has self-contained accommodation the free electricity allowance and free television licence would normally be provided.
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