Vol. 504 No. 2
242 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider an application for special funding from Kilkenny County Council to replace flat roofs on private houses with hip roofs in view of the fact that some of the residents are elderly and not in a position to fund these works (details supplied); and if he will consider special loans through the county council for this scheme. [11625/99]
I have no proposals, at this stage, to reintroduce a general house improvement grant scheme or a grant scheme directed at upgrading houses constructed in specific locations. However, there are a number of options currently available to assist lower income households and elderly persons in particular to secure necessary improvement works to their houses. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, the disabled persons and essential repairs grant scheme, improvement works in lieu of local authority housing and the task force on special housing aid for the elderly.
