Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Accommodation for the Elderly.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

50 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the level of co-ordination between local authorities and health boards regarding accommodation for the elderly; the plans, if any, he has for a more integrated approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21555/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Accommodation for the elderly is a matter, in the first instance, for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment.

The report "The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly" stressed that the main emphasis in housing policy for the elderly should be to enable elderly people to choose between adapting their homes to the increasing disabilities of old age or to move to accommodation which is more suited to their needs. Priority should be given to improving the accommodation of the elderly lacking the basic amenities of an indoor toilet, hot and cold water and a bath or shower.

The resources allocated to the special housing aid scheme for the elderly allow such repairs to be carried out to the homes of vulnerable elderly people. This scheme is funded by the Department of the Environment but is administered by the health boards.

Although there is excellent co-operation between some health boards and local authorities in relation to housing, there is scope for greater co-ordination as regards housing for elderly people. If the Deputy wishes to raise any particular problem regarding co-operation between health boards and local authorities, I will look into the matter and reply in due course.