Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Security for the Elderly.

Liz McManus

Question:

235 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the annual monitoring fee charged for monitoring the security systems provided for the elderly is causing hardship in certain cases; the proposals, if any, he has to relieve the burden where a pensioner is unable to meet the charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3960/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The scheme of community support for older people was established to address the security needs of vulnerable older people in the community by providing funding for certain types of security equipment.

Under the scheme funding can be provided for small-scale physical security equipment such as strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, door chains and locks and security equipment; and socially monitored alarm systems. Funding is not available under the scheme for conventional intruder-burglar alarms.

The maximum grant available under this scheme if 90 per cent of the cost and grants are only provided towards the once-off cost of obtaining and installing the necessary equipment. It is not possible under the terms of the scheme to provide funding towards the ongoing monitoring fees charged by the monitoring companies.