Vol. 444 No. 5
56 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, since the pilot programme operated by his Department was discontinued, there is no service providing rewiring of houses for pensioners who cannot afford to fund such work from their own income; and if he will introduce a new pilot programme to deal with rewiring alone.
I assume that the question relates to the scheme of special housing aid for the elderly which is operated under the aegis of a Task Force representative of voluntary bodies, Government Departments, local authorities and FÁS. Initially, the scheme was administered directly by the Task Force in the Dublin area on a pilot basis. It is now administered by the health boards in all areas in accordance with guidelines issued by the Task Force. The works to be carried out and the determination of relative priorities as between applicants are matters for the boards within those guidelines. Rewiring is not excluded under the scheme. I am bringing the Deputy's question to the attention of the Task Force for whatever action they may consider appropriate.
