One of the recommendations of the Special Task Force on Security for the Elderly was that my Department introduce a once-off £2 million grant scheme to provide grant-aid to voluntary organisations in relation to security initiatives for the elderly. That recommendation was accepted. Subsequently, I established a National Advisory Committee, on which the National Council for the Elderly, the Irish Association of Victim Support, the Reach Out Campaign, Muintir na Tíre, the Irish Country Women's Association and the Garda Síochána — Neighbourhood Watch — are represented, to advise on a suitable scheme that would ensure that the available funds are targeted on the most vulnerable older people and the best possible value for money is achieved. The scheme is being operated on a once off basis.
On the basis of the advice of this advisory committee and taking into account the amount of money available and the cost of security equipment, I decided funding could be provided for small-scale physical security equipment such as strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, door chains and locks and security lighting; and socially monitored alarm systems.
The scheme, entitled a scheme of community support for older people was advertised on Wednesday, 29 May 1996 in the national newspapers. The scheme is open to any voluntary or community-based organisation working with or providing support for vulnerable older people. Information on the scheme was disseminated through my Department, that is headquarters, regional and local offices and through the networks of the various organisations represented on the National Advisory Committee.
The deadline for receipt of applications was 28 June 1996. This was to allow time for my Department to assess all applications and to ensure that those most at risk benefit from the available funds before the onset of the winter months. The scheme is being administered in each of my Department's regions with the aid of a regional advisory committee which mirrors the composition of the national advisory committee.
A total of 425 applications have been received from voluntary organisations catering for approximately 11,103 individuals. These include late applications. To date, 297 groups have been approved for funding catering for approximately 6,263 individuals aged 65 years and upwards. Applications received after the formal closing date were and are still being considered, in the light of resources still available under the scheme. It is expected all the available funds will be spent very shortly. It is proposed that the scheme will be evaluated by the national and regional advisory committee to assess its effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the scheme towards the end of the year.
I am pleased to inform the House that my colleague, the Minister for Justice, and I will launch a campaign next week to provide elderly people with specific information and advice on how to improve personal security both inside and outside their homes. This will involve a mailshot to 320,000 pensioners and is being co-ordinated by the Departments of Justice and Social Welfare. The mailshot will include a letter signed by both Ministers and a number of relevant information leaflets etc. on security issues for older people.
