The Government says it will spend at least €12 million this year on repairs to the homes of elderly people living alone.
Housing Minister Noel Ahern announced the initial allocations for 2006 under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, which carries out essential repairs to houses occupied by elderly persons living on their own.
Mr Ahern said further allocations will be made later in the year.
"The scope of the scheme was extended to include the provision of suitable heating systems in 2000 and with an allocation of over €10 million, some 3,600 jobs were carried out," he said.
"In 2005 the total allocated to the scheme was €16.536 million with up to 5,000 households assisted."
Since its introduction in 1982 until June 2005 over 63,000 households have had repairs carried out to their homes under the scheme, while €105 million has been spent on the scheme since 1997.
PA