Frank O’Rourke TD has said that extra resources for Housing Adaptation Grants are needed to assist with independent living
Frank commented, ‘Given the projected increase in the number of older people in Ireland, it is important that we put in place polices and supports to deal with this reality. In 2006, there were 468,000 people aged 65 or older in Ireland, but by 2041, the number of people in this country aged 65 or older will be 1.4 million. The over-80s population is projected to rise from 128,000 in 2011 to between 470,000 and 484,000 in 2046.’
‘With this in mind, the requirement for extra funding, over the medium to long term, for Housing Adaptation grants for older people needs to be taken into consideration,’ stated Deputy O’Rourke
‘Older people prefer to live in their own home. Making their physical home environment more suitable for their needs is a key enabler to assist with independent living. I see myself first hand the benefits of such grants for older people in my constituency. I am determined to make continued representations to have additional resources allocated for Housing Adaptation Grants.’
‘Works under the scheme include home improvements such as; structural repairs , dry-lining, repair or replacement of windows and doors, the provision of water, sanitary services and heating, cleaning and painting, radon remediation, re-wiring, and any other repair or improvement work considered necessary; all of which could provide a significant improvement for older people living in their home.’
‘Other benefits are also derived from Government expenditure on Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes such as; a stimulus package for small construction companies, more local employment and increased business for local building material suppliers, all either improve Government tax take or reduce social welfare payments. In addition, it is clear that it costs the state less to facilitate older people living in their home rather than in residential care’.
‘Following a parliamentary question that I put to the Minister for the Environment, I established that in 2009, Kildare received €2m from the Department of Environment for the Housing Adaptation Grants Scheme. This has dropped to €700k in 2014. When looking at expenditure in this area, we need to carry out a more holistic cost benefit analysis and capture all the benefits which expenditure in this area attracts.’
‘I gave a commitment in the general election campaign that I will fight for extra resources to be made available for older people and I will continue to campaign on their behalf,’ concluded Deputy O’Rourke.