Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 5

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

Bernard Allen

Question:

52 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will increase the allocation to the 1998 scheme of community support for the elderly in view of the fact that last year the grant aid allocated to the scheme amounted to 90 per cent of the total cost of fitting each alarm unit for the elderly and in view of the fact that it appears that the percentage of grant aid is falling below that of last year so that recipients will have to make an increased personal contribution themselves; and his views on whether it is grossly unfair to expect individual recipients or their local communities or charities to fund more than 10 per cent of the cost of installing alarm units for the elderly. [17678/98]

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

As the Deputy is 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.

A sum of £2 million was provided in this year's estimates. 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 can vary in the light of individual circumstances and needs and the overall demands which must be met.

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. I am anxious to ensure that the scheme is focused and provides this assistance in the most efficient and effective way possible. However, I am aware that there is a high level of demand in relation to the scheme this year and I am currently in the process of reviewing the situation. I should say that any decision regarding the scheme does have to take account of the overall budgetary situation.