Vol. 487 No. 1
114 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the grant or other scheme of assistance, if any, available to an old age pensioner faced with a bill of £3,000 for electrical rewiring of his house; and if he will make a statement on the plans, if any, there are to introduce a new general house repair grant scheme. [3529/98]
There are no funds available to me from which I can provide a grant or other assistance to individuals in respect of house improvements. However, there is a range of targeted schemes currently available through the local authorities and health boards to assist necessary house improvement works in appropriate circumstances, including the task force on special housing aid for the elderly which assists the improvement of the housing conditions of elderly persons living on their own.
In regard to the possible introduction of a house improvement grant scheme, I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 94 and 96 of 4 February 1998.
