I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 119 of 26 January 2000 and 244 of 15 February 2000 relating to the installation of central heating in local authority houses.
The management, maintenance and improvement of their existing dwellings, including the installation of central heating, is the responsibility of local authorities to be defrayed from their own resources. However, where capital funding is provided under the remedial works scheme to assist authorities to carry out major essential works to designated estates, the installation of central heating in dwellings may form part of the works undertaken.
I have no plans to change the existing funding arrangements.