Dan Neville
Question:70 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to reduce the numbers of people on the waiting lists under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme. [22836/02]
Written Answers. - Housing Aid for the Elderly.
A special housing aid scheme for the elderly is operated by the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, which funds it and also chairs and services the task force that oversees the overall management of the scheme and draws up general guidelines, as appropriate. I am satisfied that the health agencies operate the scheme in a flexible manner and endeavour to secure value for money. The level of funding for the scheme has been increased over the years, but I am aware that waiting lists exist in a number of areas. I will bring the Deputy's concern in this matter to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, who has primary responsibility for the scheme.