Extra resources for Housing Adaptation Grants, administered by the Local Authorities, are needed to assist with independent living, says local Fianna Fail TD, Frank O Rourke, after meeting a number of older people in his clinic in Kilcock.

‘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.

It was great to welcome Dairine and Aoife to Leinster House this week. They are taking part in the job shadow project by working with and assisting the staff in my office. They enjoyed the trip and the tour of Leinster House. It’s great having the additional help so thanks Dairine and Aoife. Thanks as always to Lynda, the ushers and staff in Leinster House. Great Team..!!!

I was delighted to have facilitated Diabetes Ireland in attending the AV room in Leinster House on Wednesday June 22nd with my colleague Deputy Mary Butler to brief all members. This was an excellent presentation given by four speakers which outlined the difficulties and where additional supports and services are required. While acknowledging the improvements, there is still a job of work to be done. I hope yesterday’s briefing to all members from Diabetes Ireland will positively assist in their great work. Thanks to you all for attending and it was great to meet with Diabetes Ireland.

It was great to attend the USI briefing today and listen to the issues that the students are encountering. There is a few key issues which I was delighted to discuss with them in detail and will work with the USI on bringing forward solutions to resolve the issues. I look forward to my follow up meeting with the USI as arranged today.

I will be attending Fianna Fáil’s motion under private members business this evening on Arts, Culture and Heritage. This underlines Fianna Fáil’s commitment in this area as it is extremely important. I get updated regularly by Celbridge sculpture Jarlath Daly and others on this important topic. The government needs to appoint a Minister for Arts. To quote Jarlath Daly “A country without its culture is like a country without its soul”

I was delighted to have facilitated and organised today’s Dail visit for Cadamstown School. It was great to meet the students and engage with them. They really enjoyed it and in particular the homework pass…!!!

It was great to attend today’s IFA briefing in the Alexander Hotel. I was delighted to meet with members of the IFA’s Executive and discuss the difficulties and problems that they are encountering in Kildare and nationally. Farming is very important to the Irish economy and Fianna Fáil will be doing all we can to have their issues addressed positively and actioned as quickly as possible.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke says the Government needs to move to clarify the growing uncertainty surrounding the costs of the new pay by weight system for disposal of waste.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “Many families right across Kildare were left reeling this week after they received information on the bin charges that they are expected to pay in the year ahead. The increase in costs arises as a result of a decision taken by former Minister for Environment Alan Kelly when he introduced new regulations last January.
“At the time Alan Kelly insisted that the new system would result in savings for 87% of people. This proposal seemed sensible at the time. However now it transpires that the prediction made by Minister Kelly was not based on realistic research. In one instance, a family who paid €324 last year for waste disposal services are now facing a bill of up to €600 for the year ahead. This is a massive increase in costs which families simply cannot afford.

“There is a feeling that the waste disposal companies are using the change in regulations as an excuse to fleece customers. There seems to be little to no justification for the massive increase in bin charges. We need full transparency by these companies, they must clearly outline where their customers money is going.

“Fianna Fáil has called on Minister Coveney to suspend the new charges regime until we get clarity as to why families are experiencing a massive increase in their bills when former Minister Kelly stated that the opposite would occur. There is little point implementing a system that is destined to fail from day one.”

Intel hosted a great evening this evening giving out awards and sponsorship to the grand total of €30K. I was delighted to be in attendance and the prize winners were thrilled and delighted. Each winner got an award and a cheque for €5K which will have such a positive impact for the successful community groups and individuals which are doing such great work in Celbridge, Leixlip & Maynooth.

Well done and thanks to intel and in particular Lisa Harlow, Leonard Hobbs and all the Intel team for hosting a brilliant evening and making such a positive contribution to the community.

Please see the updates below regarding back to school allowances and CAO applications:

1. Back to school forms: if you are not in receipt of “Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance” and think you may qualify. I have forms available in my constituency office if you call in.