Vol. 473 No. 4
264 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment if he will extend the essential repairs grant to include the installation of central heating for elderly people living alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1349/97]
Essential repairs grants are payable by local authorities for houses which cannot be made fit for human habitation in all respects at a reasonable cost in circumstances where, with the carrying out of essential repairs, the house can continue to meet short-term accommodation needs. Essential repairs, rather than full scale improvement works, are envisaged under the scheme. I have no proposals, at this stage, to extend the terms of the scheme to include central heating.
