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Housing Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Ceisteanna (1800)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

1800. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the progress on his discussions with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and local authorities on plans to provide State-funded retirement villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34919/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), is currently exploring policy options including supporting housing/housing with care so that older people have a wider range of housing options and choices available to them. A cross Department/Agency steering group chaired by the DHPLG and comprising the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, the Housing Agency and other key stakeholders was established in 2017 to consider the issues and provide guidance on drafting a joint policy statement on housing options for older people. The draft statement is currently being finalised.  

This will be a first step in the broader process of seeking to ensure that older people are provided with appropriate accommodation options that are suited to their needs. The policy statement will set out a framework by which the Government can facilitate housing, including housing with care, for older people having regard to current demographics and looking at best practice models. The aim is to ensure that people can grow old and live in a community of their choosing, with dignity and independence.  

In November I intend to host a joint expert conference on housing for older people, together with the Minister of State with responsibility for Housing and Urban Renewal. The conference will identify and discuss a range of issues including opportunities, barriers and enablers to guide future development of housing and support needs for older people.

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