My Department amended the terms of the voluntary housing capital assistance scheme in November 2001 to provide that up to 25% of accommodation in new projects undertaken by voluntary bodies throughout the country with assistance under the scheme may be allocated to elderly emigrants returning to this country who satisfy eligibility criteria drawn up in connection with the safe home programme.
Allocation of accommodation under the amended scheme is not contingent on persons being included or accepted for inclusion in the housing authority assessment of housing need. Instead, specified conditions in relation to their present circumstances and inclusion in the safe home waiting list are relevant. This obviates the need for elderly emigrants to have returned before they are considered for voluntary housing under the safe home programme.
Any elderly emigrant for whom accommodation may be provided under the scheme is appraised by safe home of the date on which the accommodation will be available for occupation ensuring that accommodation is available to the emigrant on return. I understand that safe home also provides, where appropriate, a support service for elderly returning emigrants who are accommodated under the scheme. Where a need for this arises, it is provided on the emigrant's arrival in this country and for a period thereafter to ensure that returnees are able to cope with the change.
I also understand that safe home offers a service which includes the provision of information and practical advice to emigrants considering returning to this country including those emigrants arranging their own accommodation, irrespective of their intended destination. This service includes the provision of information in relation to entitlements in this country such as social welfare benefits, health services, housing etc.
