Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2758. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if consideration will be given to introducing a special designation for older persons' housing in all residential developments as happens in other European countries such as Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34921/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning authorities are required, under section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to include a housing strategy in their development plans which must outline the authorities’ plans for the existing and future housing needs of the population of their areas. The housing strategy must include provisions to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households including the special requirements of elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Housing strategies must also have regard to relevant policies or objectives of the Government.
My 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 my 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 my Department expects 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.
