Vol. 497 No. 2
247 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that considerable waiting lists have developed for basic repair and maintenance works to be carried out on the homes of pensioners by the eastern community works on behalf of the Eastern Health Board. [24797/98]
As the Deputy is aware, the housing aid scheme for the elderly is administered by the health boards on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government.
I have been informed by the Eastern Health Board that, in the Dublin area, the works are undertaken by FÁS trainees with small, local contractors used where necessary. In Wicklow and Kildare, projects are normally undertaken by small contractors. The board advise that it has run into difficulties both in recruiting trainees and interesting small contractors in tendering for the small projects on offer under this scheme. However, the board reports that it is currently carrying out an overall review of the operation of this scheme with a view to achieving a greater throughput of projects and reducing waiting lists. The Department of the Environment and Local Government, which is responsible for the funding of this scheme, recently increased the Eastern Health Board's allocation by £300,000. I understand the board hopes that following the review of the scheme and with the additional allocation, the number of projects undertaken can be increased.
