Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2688. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the draft policy statement on housing options for older persons will be published by his Department and the Department of Health's multiagency steering group on housing accommodation for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33670/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, 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 this Department 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 Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Department of Health policy statement on housing options for older people. The draft statement is currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly.
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.
