Michael Noonan
Question:146 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if an alarm pendant will be provided free of charge to a person (details supplied) in Limerick. [8516/99]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
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 community alert, neighbourhood watch, Muintir na Tíre etc. who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.
Under the scheme grants are available for smallscale 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 be living in households made up exclusively of older people, or of older and other people who are dependent and vulnerable and be unable to install or purchase the security equipment or alarm system themselves.
No application for assistance under the scheme from any voluntary group or organisation on behalf of the person named in the Deputy's question has been received to date.
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 has been received and is currently being examined in my Department. The operation of the scheme in 1999 will be determined in the light of the outcome of this review.