200 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received by the South-Eastern Health Board under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for 2001; the number inspected; the number who received payment of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6314/02]

As the Deputy will be aware, the special housing aid scheme for the elderly is operated by the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government. As records of the type sought by the Deputy are not kept by my Department, the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board has been asked to investigate the matter raised and provide the information requested, direct to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.