As you are aware my Department has, since 1996, operated the scheme of community support for older people, the purpose of which is to provide funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. This funding is provided by way of grant to voluntary groups who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.
The maximum grant available under the scheme is 90 per cent of the cost and grants are provided only towards the once-off cost of the purchase and-or installation of the necessary equipment. The actual amount of the grant varies in the light of individual circumstances and needs and the overall demands which must be met.
A sum of £2 million was again allocated to the scheme in the 1998 Estimates. The closing date for applications for the scheme was 22 May and applications received before that date are currently being considered in the Regional Offices of my Department.
The objective of the scheme is to address the security needs of vulnerable older people and a significant number of people have benefited in this regard. There has again been a very high level of demand in relation to the scheme this year.
As I already announced, I have obtained Government approval for the allocation of an additional £3 million to the scheme in 1998. I envisage that the 1998 grants will be made, within the revised allocation, within the next few weeks. The additional allocation brings the amount made available over the past two years to £10 million. This represents a significant increase in the level of support for this scheme and will provide the necessary resources to meet the volume of worthwhile applications received.
I can confirm that an application has been received from a group in respect of the individual mentioned in the Deputy's question. My Department expect to be in a position soon to advise this group of the decision regarding their application under the scheme.