Vol. 495 No. 1
262 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if the provisions of central heating to the homes of elderly persons is included in the category of works eligible under the housing aid for the elderly scheme, as administered by the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19618/98]
As the Deputy will be aware the special housing aid for the elderly scheme is administered by the health boards on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government under the direction of a task force which is chaired by an officer of that Department. The guidelines on the operation of the scheme issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government to health boards do not refer specifically to the provision of central heating. Nevertheless, I understand that the category of works covered by the scheme is a matter for determination by health boards subject to the general direction of the task force. If the Deputy is aware of a particular difficulty in this area, perhaps he would let me have details and I will have the matter investigated.
