Ryan calls for easier access to funding for groups helping older people
Sinn Féin TD for South Kildare, Patricia Ryan, has called on the Government to simplify the application process for repeat applicants to access funding for older people. Yesterday she spoke in the Dáil during questions to the Junior Minister for Older People and Mental Health.
Patricia said:
“I have had a number of meetings in recent weeks with groups representing older people, including a round table discussion on the mental health of older people in particular. All the groups raised the issue of funding, not just in regard to the amount available but also the consistency and reliability of funding. The lack of multi-annual funding is a major obstacle to their planning.
The groups also raised the issue of the significant degree of red tape that their organisations have to navigate to achieve even small sums of funding. We need to make the process easier for repeat applicants who have had prior approval.
Another issue that arose was that of housing for older people. I know from personal experience that when someone's housing circumstances are precarious, his or her mental health will suffer. I commend my colleagues Councillor Aidan Mullins in Laois and Councillor Noel Connolly in Kildare on recent motions they brought to their respective councils relating to housing for older people. The Government needs to do more to provide suitable homes for older people.
In response the Minister said that she will take on board the Deputy's comments on the red tape in the case of organisations that apply every year. In relation to housing she also said that she had a meeting on the issue only a couple of weeks ago with the Department of Housing in relation to older people wishing to downsize. If such people had the opportunity to downsize to a small ground-floor home with the correct wraparound supports, they would give that consideration. The Minister agreed that action was needed in this area.
Link to the Debate:
https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2021-04-29/2/#spk_5