Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2006
190 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has produced a circular on the distribution of revenue funding for sheltered housing of €928,000 which she allocated in December 2005; the specific allocations which are being made for each separate Health Service Executive region in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7298/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of sheltered housing accommodation provides a real alternative to residential care and reflects the desire of older people to live with as much independence as possible. The total budgetary allocation in 2006 for sheltered housing is the existing allocation of €428,000 plus the extra funding of €500,000 announced on 8 December, giving a total of €928,000 for 2006. An additional €500,000 has also been provided for 2007. This additional funding will help sheltered housing developments to deliver a comprehensive service to older people.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Specifically, it is a matter for the executive to allocate the funding made available to it within its regions. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
While this Department is allocating current funding to provide health service supports for sheltered housing schemes, responsibility for sheltered housing falls within the remit of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
