asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make funds available to the Southern Health Board to enable the scheme of special housing aid for the elderly to be continued.

No provision for the continuance of this scheme was made in the Estimates for 1983 which were published by the previous Government before they left office. The question of the continued funding of the scheme is under consideration at present.

Is it likely that the scheme will be funded in 1983?

We are looking at the possibility of trying to provide funds for it. I am not anxious to play politics with this matter but provision was not made for funds. We have received requests from all health boards through representatives of all parties. There is great merit in the scheme and if funds can be found within the confines of the Estimate for 1983 they will be made available.

Does the Minister agree that county councils are in a better position to operate this scheme than health boards?

I am not in a position to suggest the best way to operate it but if the Deputy, as a member of a county council, believes the scheme could be operated more effectively we are open to his suggestions.