Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

Seán Haughey

Question:

303 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will give details of the grants scheme for the provision of alarms for elderly people; the procedures involved; when applications will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6836/99]

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 such as St. Vincent de Paul, Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert which 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 or panic button 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. While the maximum grant available under this scheme is 90 per cent of the total cost, it is not possible to guarantee this level of funding in respect of all applications received under the scheme.

Older people who wish to apply for a grant under the scheme should contact the voluntary group or organisation in their local area prior to the purchase and-or installation of the necessary security equipment.

I am anxious to ensure that this scheme addresses the security needs of the most vulnerable people and that it provides this assistance in the most efficient and effective way possible. In this regard, my Department has, in consultation with the Departments of Finance and Health and Children, commissioned an independent review of the scheme which will consider how the scheme is meeting its objectives and whether it is doing so in the most efficient and effective way possible.

The final report from the consultants will be available shortly and the operation of the scheme in 1999 will be determined in the light of the outcome of this review.