It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together.
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. These groups and organisations are then responsible for distributing the grant funds amongst the elderly people concerned.
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, including the "pendant" alarm system which is operated via the telephone and is worn around the wrist or neck.
In general, grants under the scheme cover from 50 per cent to 90 per cent of the once-off cost of the purchase and/or installation of the necessary security equipment.