asked the Minister for the Environment the Government's policy on the provision of sheltered housing for mentally and physically handicapped people and old people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing of Handicapped People.
20.
The provision of housing for present who are unable to provide it from their own resources is a responsibility of local authorities and it is a matter from them taking account of the resources available and the overall demands for housing arising in their functional areas, to consider the particular needs of persons who may require sheltered housing. In addition, health boards provide welfare accommodation for persons requiring a level of medical and nursing care. In both cases the costs are finenced in fully by the Exchequer.
These activities of local authorities and health boards are supplemented by accommodation provided by voluntary bodies with the assistance of grants from public funds. As the House will be aware, I recently announced a new scheme of financial assistance for the provision of housing by voluntary bodies. The arrangements in this respect are specifically directed towards the housing of elderly and handicapped parents, to which the operations of voluntary bodies are particularly suited.
While I agree with the Minister that the two schemes he mentioned are excellent once nevertheless the question asked if he was aware that some local authorities had send homeless people to heath boards. Is that not a clear reneging on their statutory responsibility? If he was found out who they are will he issue a directive to ensure that homeless people are not being sent around in circles by local authorities trying to pass the buck to the health boards. It is not acceptable practice.
Are we on the same question?
I wonder. I am not aware of the circumstances but if this is happening I will be happy to look at the matter. Perhaps the Deputy knows of individual cases where this has happened.