Vol. 526 No. 6
315 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will include replacement of faulty electrical installations in the guidelines laid down for the essential repairs grant as operated by the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27459/00]
The essential repairs grants scheme is targeted at meeting the needs of elderly people living in unfit housing who would otherwise need to be rehoused by the local authority. The scheme enables basic repairs to be carried out to houses which cannot be made fit in all respects at a reasonable cost so that they can continue to provide an acceptable standard of accommodation for the occupants. The cost of rewiring a house is not excluded under the scheme but it is a matter for local authorities to assess the circumstances of each individual case and decide what works are necessary to prolong the useful life of the house for the occupants.
316 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of applications to Kildare County Council for work-in-lieu housing loans; if he has satisfied himself that his Department is providing sufficient finance to meet the demand for such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27460/00]
Information is not available in my Department in relation to the number of applications received by Kildare County Council for the improvement works in lieu of rehousing scheme as, in general, approval is not necessary from my Department for authorities to carry out proposed works under the scheme. My Department's approval for proposed works under this scheme is only required when the cost is estimated to exceed £50,000.
My Department has encouraged local authorities to avail of this scheme as much as possible and should local authorities require additional funding they have the flexibility to make adjustments within their overall housing capital allocations to cater for any increased demand for this schemes that might arise.
