Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
246. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to reintroduce the financial contribution scheme for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11673/16]
View answerI understand the scheme referred to was a local authority scheme to enable older people to downsize from homes that may have become too large for them to more suitable accommodation, thus potentially freeing up homes for larger families. Such schemes were traditionally operated by some housing authorities within their own allocation schemes rather than as part of a national scheme. I met with local authority Chief Executives on 12 May 2016, in order to discuss, amongst other things, the housing situation and in particular boosting supply and the future delivery and implementation of the targets set for the local authorities under the Social Housing Strategy 2020. In that regard, I have asked all local authority Chief Executives for their ideas and proposals to expedite delivery of social housing.
My approach to resolving the challenges facing the housing sector is a collaborative one. That is why, in preparing the ‘Action Plan for Housing’, as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government, I intend to consult with all key stakeholders, including local authority Chief Executives, and also draw on the important work of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
Housing for older people, in the context of an ageing and longer living population is an important consideration. The potential of targeted schemes to meet differing housing needs will be further examined in the context of the preparation of the Action Plan, drawing on the feed-back from local authorities and other stakeholders.
