154 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application made to the South-Eastern Health Board under the housing aid for the elderly scheme can be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the reason it has taken so long to action the application. [5145/02]

As the Deputy is aware, the special housing aid scheme for the elderly is operated by the health boards and the Eastern Regional Authority, on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board to investigate this case and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.