Vol. 540 No. 3
203 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the resources which were given to the Eastern Regional Health Authority for essential repair grant schemes for the elderly in 2001; the way in which the ERHA has run out of finance after less than six months; if he will give an additional grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20600/01]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the special housing aid for the elderly scheme which is administered by a task force under the aegis of my Department and operated by the health boards at local level.
A total of £1.28 million for the operation of the scheme has been allocated to the ERHA for 2001. I understand from the authority that funding has not been exhausted and applications continue to be processed. The overall provision for the operation of the scheme by the health boards in 2001 has been fully allocated.
