Under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) funding of up to 100% of the approved cost of accommodation is provided for accommodation by approved housing bodies for people with special housing needs. My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects.
Funding of €292,039 was provided under the CAS in 1989 towards the cost of twelve units of accommodation for older persons by Athy Voluntary Housing Association at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Athy, Co. Kildare.
Approved housing bodies may be constituted as limited companies, societies registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies or as trusts incorporated under the Charities Acts. Each body must have a properly functioning governing body, board of directors or trustees which is responsible for the proper management and maintenance of dwellings provided under the terms of CAS and for the operation of letting policies and compliance with all relevant statutory requirements. It is a matter for the local authority, in this instance Kildare County Council, to ensure that the housing body is managing and maintaining the scheme in accordance with the terms of the CAS.
