Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

Tony Gregory

Question:

217 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of grant applications his Department received towards the cost of special alarm systems for senior citizens in the Navan Road and Cabra areas of Dublin 7; when these grants will be paid; and the percentage of the cost involved. [13070/98]

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 once-off funding for certain types of security equipment. Under the scheme grants are made available to voluntary organisations such as Muintir na Tire, Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch, which have undertaken to identify the older people in the community in need of the assistance provided under the scheme. Under the scheme once-off grants can be made towards the cost of: smallscale 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 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. However the actual amount of the grant varies in the light of individual circumstances and needs and the overall demands which must be met. In general, grants cover 50 per cent of the total costs involved.

As the closing date for receipt of applications under the 1998 scheme was only 22 May last, all of the applications received in the Regional Offices of my Department are still being processed. It is not, therefore, possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy at this stage. My Department will contact all organisations which have submitted applications under the scheme as soon as a decision has been made. It is anticipated that the first grants will be paid under the scheme from late autumn onwards.