Vol. 513 No. 1
216 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider the application for funding for the provision of sheltered accommodation for members of the Defence Forces who have retired and have no family connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1668/00]
The provision of sheltered accommodation falls within the remit of the Department of the Environment and Local Government. I understand the Organisation of National Ex-Service Men and Women, ONE, operates a residential facility in Dublin which provides services specifically to former members of the Permanent Defence Force. A substantial grant was made available by the Department of the Environment and Local Government towards the original provision of that facility.
The question of providing additional funding for such facilities, from State sources, would in the first instance have to be considered by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the relevant local authorities in the general context of the development and co-ordination of housing services.
Having said that, I received a proposal recently from ONE for sheltered accommodation and I am having that proposal examined.
