Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2018

Wednesday, 9 May 2018

Questions (183)

John Curran

Question:

183. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the stage at which his Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government are in relation to providing a new supported model of housing for elderly persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20328/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Both the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government are working together in finalising a high-level policy statement that will provide a framework by which Government can facilitate and promote a variety of housing options, including supported housing (i.e. housing with care), for older people.

In tandem with this the Department and the HSE are participating in a demonstrator project in partnership with Department of Housing, Dublin City Council, the HSE and the Irish Council for Social Housing. A site in Inchicore has been identified for development of a Housing with Support model under Rebuilding Ireland which will deliver 52 homes and is due for completion in 2020. This is a collaborative project and it is intended to set a new standard for the future of housing provision for older people and to act as an exemplar for others to follow. The project has been approved for funding of almost €15m under the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government’s Capital Assistance Scheme with a contribution of €450,000 from the Health Service Executive towards additional communal facilities for the residents.

The project is aimed at offering older people who do not require nursing home care the benefits of living in their own homes, connected to their own communities, with support and care provided in a cost-effective way.  It is envisaged that this demonstration project will be adapted and replicated in other areas.

In addition, I as Minister of State with responsibility for older people, together with my colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for housing Damien English, intend to hold an expert conference on housing for older people in Autumn this year.