Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Housing Projects.

John Gormley

Question:

525 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his views on whether more State support should be available for sheltered housing; the plans he has to introduce such assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18312/03]

John Gormley

Question:

526 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date on the introduction of a defined revenue funding scheme for sheltered accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18313/03]

Minister of State at the Department the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.

My Department provides capital funding under the voluntary housing capital assistance scheme to approved housing bodies who provide sheltered housing accommodation under the scheme. Expenditure under the scheme increased by over 144% in the period between 2000 and 2002 and this year's provision which is in the order of €96 million is 23% above the outturn figure for 2002.

Responsibility for normal management and maintenance of accommodation provided under the capital assistance scheme is a matter for the relevant approved housing body. Such costs incurred by the body in this regard are met from the rental income from the letting of the accommodation.

Assistance to approved housing bodies towards the cost of care and support services provided in sheltered housing projects over and above normal housing management where these services are necessary is a matter for the relevant health board. The introduction of a separate funding scheme to assist approved housing bodies with these costs would therefore be a matter for the Department of Health and Children.

This is an issue which may be appropriate for consideration by the interdepartmental group on services for older people, chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, whose function includes bringing a more integrated approach to the delivery of services for older people. In this context, I intend to refer this matter to the group.