Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.
Ivor Callely
Question:
207
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
the criteria applied for the elderly to avail of the scheme of grants for security of the elderly; the other considerations, if any, he has to encourage such security; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5599/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:
208
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
the number of elderly who availed of the scheme of grants for security of the elderly in 1996; the number of elderly who will be able to avail of a grant in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5600/97]
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:
216
Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
whether he intends to extend the assistance given to old people to provide security for themselves, particularly in rural areas to cover people suffering from disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5883/97]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 207, 208 and 216 together.
As the Deputies will be aware one of the recommendations of the special task force on security for the elderly established in 1996 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, the Minister 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) were represented, to advise on a suitable scheme that would ensure that the available funds were targeted on the most vulnerable older people and the best possible value for money was achieved.
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 that 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 was operated on a once off basis and was reviewed by the National Advisory Committee at the end of December 1996. Expenditure under the scheme in 1996 was £2.562 million. A total of 428 voluntary organisations received funding with some 14,944 individuals receiving assistance. It is expected that a similar number of individuals will benefit in 1997.
Based on the recommendation of the national advisory committee and the obvious need to ensure that the most vulnerable older people continue to be assisted the Minister obtained a further £2 million in this year's budget to enable the scheme to continue in 1997.
The scheme will be advertised shortly in the national papers and will be open for all community and voluntary organisations working with, or providing support for, the elderly to apply. The scheme will operate on the same basis as it did in 1996.
It was decided that to make the funds available through voluntary organisations was the most appropriate way of ensuring that the most vulnerable older people are targeted by the scheme. I was aware that many voluntary organisations were already providing services such as those covered by the scheme and had developed expertise and local contacts. Voluntary groups operate close to the ground and are aware of the greatest need in their communities. Working with the voluntary sector to deliver these funds to the most needy has the advantage that individual older people need not make an application and can have their needs met with the minimum of administration and without the need for a formal assessment of their circumstances by Departmental staff. I am satisfied that this was the most appropriate way in which to structure my Department's response to the situation.
Those who can benefit from the scheme include older people — those aged 65 or over — living along or living in households made up exclusively of older people, or of older and other people who are dependent and vulnerable. Priority in allocating available funds will be given to the most vulnerable older people. Vulnerability is defined in terms of advanced age, disability and isolation.
