Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

Bernard Allen

Question:

144 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the circumstances under which an elderly person aged 76 can receive a personal alarm which is attached to the telephone and which can be worn around the wrist or the neck and, in particular, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3017/99]

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

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 and organisations who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.

Under the scheme grants are available 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 such as the "pendant" alarm system which is operated via the telephone and is worn around the wrist or neck. To qualify for assistance under the scheme, older people aged 65 or over must be living alone or living in households made up exclusively of older people, or of older and other people who are dependent and vulnerable and unable to install or purchase the security equipment or alarm system themselves. As it would appear that the person referred to in the Deputy's question is living with her daughter and does not therefore satisfy the living alone condition outlined above, it would not be possible to provide any assistance under the scheme in this case. However, if her circumstances have changed she may wish to contact her local voluntary organisation which provides support to older people about this matter. The scheme is currently being reviewed by consultants and their final report will be available shortly. The future operation of the scheme will be determined in the light of the outcome of this review.